A run-filled contest took over in Indore as a collective 432 runs were scored across 40 overs, with India ultimately emerging victors by 14 runs and going ahead 2-1 in the five-match T20I series.
Opener Abhishek Sharma top-scored for India with a quickfire 69 as the hosts amassed a good total of 223 and a disciplined bowling performance ensured the West Indies were held to just 209-7 in reply.
Left-armer Arshdeep Singh (3-44) was the pick of the bowlers and was adjudged Player-of-the-Match for his efforts, but India skipper Shreyas Iyer was impressed with the performance from his entire bowling group.
“It was wonderful to see the bowlers being confident,” Iyer said post-match.
“The clarity was very much visible when I was interacting. They were ready to take up the challenge and that’s what we want.”
West Indies captain Shai Hope was left to lament a couple of telling mistakes with the ball that allowed India to post such a competitive total.
“Probably with the ball, we could’ve executed a little bit better,” Hope said.
“So those little margins would be the deciding factor come the end of the game.”
India were put in to bat first and after Sanju Samson fell for just three runs, Abhishek took charge of the innings with a blistering 69 off 30 deliveries, which included six fours and five sixes.
Ishan Kishan continued the assault, scoring a quickfire 37 off 18 balls as India raced to 115 in just 8.2 overs. Roston Chase brought Kishan’s innings to an end to provide the West Indies with a timely breakthrough.
Tilak Varma added further impetus with a brisk 28 off 16 deliveries before a bizarre run-out cut short his stay at the crease.
India maintained their aggressive approach in the latter stages, with Nitish Kumar Reddy (21 off 14) and Axar Patel (20 off 14) chipping in with valuable contributions to keep the scoreboard moving.
Prince Yadav then provided a late flourish, striking three boundaries in the final over as India were bowled out for 223.
Chase (2-38), Shamar Springer (2-54) and Shamar Joseph (2-54) claimed two wickets apiece for the visitors.
In reply, the West Indies endured a disastrous start as Hope, who had struck a century in the second T20I, was cleaned up by Arshdeep for five in the second over.
Shimron Hetmyer and Kamil Pooran then launched a spirited counterattack, putting together a 60-run partnership for the second wicket off just 31 deliveries.
Hetmyer smashed 43 off 26 balls, while Pooran contributed 42 off 27, briefly shifting the momentum in the visitors’ favour.
Naman Dhir, however, struck at a crucial juncture to dismiss both set batters and swing the contest back in India’s favour.
Sherfane Rutherford (32 off 20) and Quentin Sampson (21 off 15) attempted to revive the chase, but India continued to chip away at the wickets and prevented the West Indies from building another substantial partnership.
Springer brought out some surprise fireworks at the end with a breathtaking 35* from just 11 balls, but India ultimately sealed the deal by 14 runs.
Arshdeep led the bowling effort with figures of 3-44, receiving valuable support from Naman Dhir (2-39), Axar Patel (1-33) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (1-19).
The fourth T20I will take place in Hyderabad on Wednesday, October 14. (ICC)
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
