West Indies pulled off a stunning victory against India in the opening T20I, securing a four-run win as the tourists fell short in their chase of a modest 150-run target. India appeared well-placed at 77-3 in the 11th over with debutant Tilak Varma scoring 39 runs and Suryakumar Yadav contributing 21. However, they went on to lose six wickets for just 68 runs. Despite a valiant effort from captain Hardik Pandya (19), Axar Patel (13), and Arshdeep Singh (12), the Indian team struggled to pick up the pace on a slow pitch.
West Indies’ Shimron Hetmyer, playing his first international match in 12 months, shone in the field with three catches and a run-out in the final over, ultimately sealing their victory. The 20-year-old Varma, who had impressed in the IPL with 343 runs for the Mumbai Indians, smashed three sixes in his quick-fire innings of 22 balls.
In the West Indies’ innings, captain Rovman Powell top-scored with 48 runs after Nicholas Pooran fell for 41. However, the West Indies could only manage 21 runs off the final three overs, finishing with a total of 149-6.
West Indies’ Jason Holder was the standout performer with figures of 2-19 from his four overs, earning him the man of the match award. Following the match, Indian skipper Hardik Pandya acknowledged their mistakes, stating, We were right in the chase but we made some errors which cost us. A young team will make mistakes.
The next two T20Is between India and West Indies will take place in Bridgetown on Sunday and Tuesday, followed by the final match in Lauderhill, Florida on August 12 and 13. India had previously won the two-Test series 1-0 and the ODIs 2-1 against the West Indies.
With an exciting start to the T20I series, both teams will be eager to capitalize on their strengths and make a strong comeback in the upcoming matches.
