India vs West Indies: Siraj and Batters Shine in Trinidad Test
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, India’s batters led by Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan provided the much-needed impetus, while Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc against the West Indies’ batting lineup on day five of the second Test in Trinidad. Despite intermittent rain interruptions, the stage is set for an intriguing finale, with all three results still possible.
India, not taking anything for granted as they compete in the 2023-2025 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, set West Indies a daunting target of 365 after declaring their second innings at 181/2. The hosts, resuming from an overnight score of 229/5 in their first innings, had their hopes resting on Alick Athanaze. However, his dismissal proved costly, thanks to the brilliance of Siraj. The Windies’ resistance crumbled as Siraj picked up five wickets for just 60 runs, dismantling their lineup and limiting them to a total of 255.
India’s openers, skipper Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, wasted no time in asserting their dominance. They attacked the West Indies’ bowlers from the very beginning, finding boundaries with ease. Jaiswal, displaying exceptional footwork, started the onslaught with an extra cover boundary. Rohit, too, contributed to India’s quickfire start, but was saved by a drop from Shannon Gabriel when he was on 26.
Although Rohit’s innings was cut short at 57, the impetus continued with Ishan Kishan, who was promoted to number four. Kishan exhibited aggressive batting and reached his fifty off just 33 deliveries. His powerful strokes left the Windies’ bowlers struggling to contain him, as he smashed boundaries and dispatched two towering sixes. Kishan’s entertaining knock ended with him reaching 50, and India declared their innings at 181/2.
With India’s batters providing a solid platform and Siraj decimating the West Indies’ batting lineup, the match hangs in the balance. As the rain holds off in Trinidad, spectators eagerly await the conclusion of this enthralling Test. Will India claim victory, or can the West Indies mount a comeback? The stage is set for an exciting finish to this contest.
