West Indies clinched a thrilling two-wicket victory over India in the second T20I of the five-match series, thanks to Nicholas Pooran’s explosive knock of 67 runs. Pooran’s scintillating innings guided the West Indies to a 2-0 lead in the series.
In pursuit of India’s target of 153, West Indies encountered early hiccups as they lost Brandon King for a golden duck and Johnson Charles for just 2 runs. Pooran survived an early leg-before shout and alongside Kyle Mayers, tried to stabilize the innings after the early collapse. However, West Indies found themselves in deep trouble with a score of 32-3 in 3.4 overs.
Pooran, who has been in red-hot form, took charge of the innings and displayed some clean strokes to decimate Ravi Bishnoi in an 18-run over. He formed a crucial partnership with Rovman Powell (21), adding 57 runs together to resurrect the innings. As Pooran reached his fifty from 29 balls, the stadium erupted in applause, energizing the West Indies’ chase.
Shimron Hetmyer joined Pooran, surviving a close call early in his innings while providing support to his partner. Pooran continued his onslaught, smashing six delightful fours and four dismissive sixes. However, he was eventually caught at cover, departing after a brilliant knock of 67 from just 40 balls.
At that stage, West Indies were 126-5, with 27 runs needed from 36 balls. Pooran’s dismissal triggered a collapse, leaving the West Indies struggling at 129-8 after 16 overs. Nonetheless, Akeal Hosein (16*) and Alzarri Joseph (10*) held their nerve and steered the team across the finish line. Joseph’s six off the penultimate over sealed the victory for West Indies, with eight wickets in hand and seven balls to spare.
Among the Indian bowlers, Hardik Pandya stood out with figures of 3-35 from his four overs. Despite his efforts, India was unable to defend their total as the West Indian batsmen launched a late surge to emerge victorious.
Earlier in the match, India won the toss and elected to bat first. However, the West Indies bowlers applied pressure and limited India to 152-7 in their allotted 20 overs. The slow Providence surface proved challenging for the Indian batsmen, but twenty-year-old Tilak Varma shone with his maiden T20I half-century, scoring 51 runs from 41 balls.
While it wasn’t a dominant day for India, they managed to post a competitive total. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Pooran’s explosive innings, which secured another win for West Indies in the series.
The two teams will clash again in the third T20I at Providence on Tuesday, with West Indies aiming to extend their lead and India looking to bounce back. The series promises to be a thrilling contest between these two formidable sides.
