India’s Kuldeep Yadav created history as he became the fastest Indian bowler to reach 50 wickets in T20I cricket. Yadav achieved this milestone in his 30th match, surpassing the previous record set by his compatriot Yuzvendra Chahal, who took 34 matches to achieve the feat. Not only did Yadav break this record, but he also became the fastest Indian to reach 50 T20I wickets in less than 700 balls. He accomplished this remarkable feat in just 638 balls, surpassing Chahal, who took 800 balls to reach the milestone.
In the third T20I against West Indies at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, India showcased their dominance after losing two consecutive games. Opting to bat first, the West Indies got off to a solid start with Brandon King and Kyle Mayers providing a sturdy foundation. However, despite King’s run-a-ball 42, the Caribbean team faced a major collapse. Skipper Rovman Powell played a ferocious knock of 40 runs off just 19 balls, guiding the West Indies to a total of 159/5.
In their chase, India stumbled early as openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill fell cheaply. However, Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive knock turned the game in India’s favor. Yadav smashed a thrilling 83 runs off just 44 deliveries, including 10 boundaries and 4 sixes. His innings was crucial in securing victory for India. Alongside Yadav, young Tilak Varma also impressed with the bat, contributing to India’s successful chase. Captain Hardik Pandya and Varma guided the team to victory, completing the target with ease.
Kuldeep Yadav played a vital role in restricting the West Indies to a manageable total, taking three wickets for India. His outstanding performance not only earned him the title of the fastest Indian to reach 50 T20I wickets, but also made him India’s highest wicket-taker against the West Indies in T20I cricket. With a total of 15 wickets in just seven matches against the West Indies, Yadav surpassed seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s record of 13 wickets.
Suryakumar Yadav’s knock was truly exceptional, as he constantly punished the West Indies bowlers right from the start. His 83-run innings was punctuated with a four and a six off the first two deliveries he faced after the early loss of Jaiswal. Yadav reached his 14th T20I half-century in just 23 balls, equalling his fastest fifty in the format. Additionally, during the chase, Yadav hit his 100th six in T20Is, achieving this milestone in his 49th innings. He became the third Indian player, after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, to reach 100 sixes in T20Is.
India’s victory in the third T20I against the West Indies certainly boosted their morale after suffering defeats in the previous two matches. With Kuldeep Yadav’s historic achievement and Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive innings, the Men in Blue demonstrated their resilience and fighting spirit. This triumph will undoubtedly provide them with the confidence and momentum they need heading into future encounters.
Overall, India’s strong performance in the third T20I showcased their depth and talent, with both Yadavs playing pivotal roles in securing the victory. The team’s ability to bounce back from setbacks and deliver exceptional performances is a testament to their skill and determination. As they continue to compete against top cricketing nations, India will undoubtedly aim to build on this success and maintain their winning momentum.
