India took a 2-1 lead in the five-match T20I series against West Indies after defending 223 runs to secure a 14-run victory in the third T20I on Sunday. Abhishek Sharma led India's batting charge with a blistering 69 off 30 balls, while Arshdeep Singh claimed three wickets to help the hosts restrict West Indies to 209/7 in 20 overs.
The victory gives India the advantage in the series, with two matches remaining. West Indies produced a spirited chase, led by Shimron Hetmyer and Kamil Pooran, but India's early batting assault and timely wickets proved decisive.
India Make Explosive Start Through Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan
India's innings began with an early setback as Sanju Samson departed for three. However, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan quickly shifted the momentum, attacking the West Indies bowlers and building a rapid partnership.
Abhishek was the standout performer, smashing 69 off just 30 deliveries at a strike rate of 230. His innings featured six fours and five sixes, putting India in a commanding position during the powerplay.
Ishan provided excellent support with 37 off 18 balls, striking six fours and a six. The pair's aggressive approach took India to 115/1 before Roston Chase dismissed Kishan, who was stumped by captain Shai Hope.
West Indies responded with further breakthroughs. Chase removed Shreyas Iyer for one, while Shamar Springer ended Abhishek's explosive innings. India's position changed quickly as the hosts slipped from 115/1 to 124/4.
Middle-Order Wickets Slow India's Progress
West Indies continued to fight back as Gudakesh Motie dismissed Naman Dhir for 10, leaving India under pressure at 135/5.
With the top order back in the pavilion, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy helped stabilise the innings. Tilak scored 28 off 16 balls, while Nitish contributed 21 from 14 deliveries, ensuring India maintained a healthy scoring rate.
Keemo Paul broke the partnership, but Axar Patel added valuable runs with a 20 off 14-ball innings. India attempted to accelerate towards the end, although run-outs and regular wickets prevented the hosts from reaching an even bigger total.
India were eventually bowled out for 223 in 20 overs. Despite the late collapse, their powerful start gave the bowlers a competitive target to defend.
Hetmyer and Pooran Keep West Indies in the Chase
Chasing 224, West Indies lost Shai Hope early when Arshdeep Singh dismissed the captain for five. The visitors needed a strong partnership to stay in contention, and Shimron Hetmyer and Kamil Pooran delivered an aggressive response.
Hetmyer scored 43 off 26 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Pooran added 42 from 27 deliveries, striking three fours and three sixes. Their attacking batting kept the required run rate within reach during the middle overs.
However, India's bowlers continued to strike at important moments. Rovman Powell managed just five runs before falling to Axar Patel, while Sherfane Rutherford scored 32 off 20 balls to keep West Indies' hopes alive.
Quentin Sampson contributed 21 from 15 deliveries, but his dismissal put additional pressure on the lower order.
Shamar Springer provided a late burst of power, smashing an unbeaten 35 off just 11 balls. His innings included two fours and four sixes, briefly raising West Indies' hopes of completing a challenging chase.
Despite Springer's late hitting, West Indies finished on 209/7, falling 14 runs short of the target.
Arshdeep Singh Leads India's Bowling Attack
Arshdeep Singh played a crucial role in India's defence, finishing with figures of 3/44 from four overs. His wickets included the important early dismissal of Shai Hope and the breakthroughs needed to disrupt West Indies' momentum.
Naman Dhir also made a significant contribution, claiming 2/39. Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up one wicket each, helping India prevent the visitors from building the partnerships required to win.
Although India conceded more than 200 runs, their ability to take wickets at key stages proved decisive. West Indies' late hitting narrowed the gap, but the target ultimately remained beyond their reach.
India vs West Indies 3rd T20I: Score Summary
Team | Score |
|---|---|
India | 223 all out (20 overs) |
West Indies | 209/7 (20 overs) |
Result | India won by 14 runs |
Series score | India lead 2-1 |
Top Performers
India
Ishan Kishan: 37 off 18 balls
Arshdeep Singh: 3/44
Naman Dhir: 2/39
West Indies
Shimron Hetmyer: 43 off 26 balls
Kamil Pooran: 42 off 27 balls
Shamar Springer: 35 not out off 11 balls
Roston Chase: 2/38
India Move Closer to Series Victory
India's 14-run win gives them a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, leaving West Indies with little room for error in the remaining two matches.
For India, Abhishek Sharma's explosive batting provided the foundation for victory, while Arshdeep Singh and the supporting bowlers delivered when the chase threatened to become dangerous. The middle-order collapse remains an area for improvement, particularly after India's strong start.
West Indies will take encouragement from their aggressive chase and Springer's late fireworks. However, they will need to improve their early-wicket management and bowling execution to turn competitive performances into victories.
India will now look to seal the series in the fourth T20I, while West Indies must win the next match to keep their hopes of levelling the contest alive.
