Rain Ruins Finale: India and West Indies Share Trophy After 2-2 Draw
Rain ruins the final T20I between India and West Indies in Bengaluru, leaving the series tied 2-2 and the trophy shared.
The highly anticipated fifth and final T20I between India and West Indies ended in an anticlimax on Saturday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. In a series that has been a rollercoaster of emotions, the final encounter was washed out by rain, resulting in a 2-2 stalemate and forcing the two teams to share the trophy.
A Truncated Battle
The weather played spoilsport from the outset, forcing officials to truncate the match to a nine-over-per-side affair. Despite the reduced format, the intensity remained high as India was put in to bat first by the West Indies. However, the clouds eventually won, and the game was called off after just 7.4 overs of action.
India's Explosive but Brief Start
India's innings began on a shaky note when Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for 6, caught by Shamar Joseph at mid-wicket shortly after hitting a maximum. The team found themselves at 13/1 within the first over, but the momentum shifted violently in the second over.
Ishan Kishan decided to take Romario Shepherd to the cleaners, smashing a 24-run over that included a six over fine leg, a four, another six, and a boundary. This onslaught catapulted India's score to 38 runs in just two overs. Kishan continued his aggression in the next over with a slice over the cover region for four, but his whirlwind cameo ended at 30 runs off 10 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes).
Middle Order Struggles and Late Fireworks
Sanju Samson attempted to keep the scoring rate high, hitting a four and a six in the third over to push India to 55/2. However, the West Indian bowlers fought back. Gudakesh Motie kept things tight in the fourth over, and Shamar Springer eventually castled Samson for 16 runs off seven deliveries.
Captain Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma then took charge. Iyer played aggressively against Gudakesh, hitting two boundaries, though he narrowly escaped a run-out chance. His stay ended at 22 runs off 14 balls, falling to Keemo Paul via a catch by Shamar Joseph.
Naman Dhir's Power-Hitting
The arrival of Naman Dhir brought a fresh surge of energy to the Indian innings. Dhir made an immediate impact against Keemo Paul, smashing a six, a four, and another six in quick succession. Thanks to this onslaught, India crossed the 100-run mark in just 6.4 overs.
The Final Blow: Rain Returns
Just as India seemed to be accelerating, Shamar Springer struck again, cleaning up Tilak Varma for 7 runs off six balls. As the wicket fell in the 8th over, the rain returned with a vengeance. India was stranded at 118/5 in 7.4 overs, and the match was officially called off shortly after.
Key Performers
- India: Ishan Kishan (30 off 10) and Naman Dhir (24 off 6) provided the fireworks.
- West Indies: Shamar Springer and Keemo Paul were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets each.
With the final match abandoned, the series concludes in a draw, reflecting the balanced competition between the two cricketing giants.