India defeated the West Indies by 14 runs in the third T20I on Sunday, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 69 and Arshdeep Singh’s three-wicket haul helped India secure the victory despite a late batting collapse.
India posted 223 all out before restricting the West Indies to 209 for seven.
Abhishek Sharma Powers India’s Batting
Abhishek Sharma led India’s innings with a brilliant 69 off just 30 balls, hitting six sixes and five fours. His aggressive approach helped India build momentum after the opening overs.
He also shared a 108-run partnership for the second wicket with Ishan Kishan, who contributed 37 runs. The pair added 108 runs off just 40 balls, putting India on course for a total above 250.
Abhishek reached his 14th T20I half-century in only 18 balls, putting pressure on the West Indies bowlers with his attacking stroke play.
Roston Chase Turns the Game Around
West Indies spinner Roston Chase played a key role in slowing India’s scoring rate. After Abhishek and Kishan had given India a strong start, Chase dismissed Kishan through a stumping before removing Shreyas Iyer for one run.
Abhishek’s innings ended when he mishit a short delivery from Shamar Springer. India then lost wickets regularly and struggled to maintain their scoring momentum.
The team slipped from 115 for one to 223 all out, with mistakes in the middle overs costing them valuable runs.
India’s Middle-Order Collapse Raises Concerns
India’s batting performance lost momentum in the middle overs due to poor running between the wickets and avoidable dismissals.
Tilak Varma was run out for 28 after failing to return to the non-striker’s end in time. Axar Patel also suffered a run-out following a mix-up with Arshdeep Singh.
Axar scored 20 runs, while Naman Dhir managed 10. These dismissals prevented India from capitalising fully on the strong platform created by Abhishek and Kishan.
Arshdeep Singh Delivers Crucial Wickets
Chasing 224, the West Indies suffered an early setback when Arshdeep Singh dismissed captain Shai Hope for five in the second over.
Arshdeep later removed Sherfane Rutherford, who scored 32, and Keemo Paul for 10. He finished with figures of 3/44, playing a decisive role in India’s victory.
Naman Dhir also contributed with two wickets, finishing with figures of 2/39.
Hetmyer and Pooran Keep West Indies in the Chase
Shimron Hetmyer scored 43 off 26 balls, including four sixes and two fours, but failed to turn his start into a match-winning innings. Naman Dhir dismissed him in the seventh over.
Rovman Powell fell for five while attempting to hit Axar Patel for a six.
Kamil Pooran scored 42 off 27 balls, striking four sixes and three fours. He briefly threatened to shift the momentum by hitting three sixes off Dhir in the 11th over, but was eventually caught by Arshdeep at square leg.
India continued to apply pressure through sharp fielding, with vice-captain Tilak Varma taking two important catches in the deep.
India Take the Lead in the Five-Match Series
The West Indies finished their innings at 209 for seven, falling 14 runs short of India’s target of 224.
Abhishek’s explosive batting and Arshdeep’s timely breakthroughs proved decisive, allowing India to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match T20I series.
However, India’s collapse in the middle overs remains an area of concern as the team prepares for the remaining matches.