India’s vice-captain, Suryakumar Yadav, put on a stunning display of power-hitting as he blasted his way to 83 runs off just 44 balls in the third T20I against West Indies. His heroic knock paved the way for a comfortable seven-wicket victory for India in Guyana on Tuesday.
Yadav’s innings was filled with aggressive strokeplay, including 10 fours and four sixes. He formed a crucial 87-run partnership for the third wicket with Tilak Varma (49 not out), helping India recover from a shaky start. The duo ensured that India chased down the target of 160 with more than two overs and seven wickets to spare.
This victory was extremely significant for India as they had suffered narrow defeats in the first two games of the five-match series. Yadav’s explosive knock not only secured the win but also kept India’s hopes alive in the series.
Varma also played a crucial role in the chase, taking over as the aggressor after Yadav’s dismissal. Unfortunately, he was left stranded on 49 not out, just one run short of what would have been his second consecutive half-century. Skipper Hardik Pandya hit the winning runs with a six off Rovman Powell.
The chase would have been much more challenging for Yadav and Varma if not for Kuldeep Yadav’s impressive bowling performance. Kuldeep, who replaced Ravi Bishnoi in the lineup, took three crucial wickets for 28 runs in his four overs. His left-arm spin accounted for the dismissals of Nicholas Pooran and Brandon King in his final over, effectively stifling the flow of runs for the West Indies.
Left-arm spinner Axar Patel also played a pivotal role, bowling his full quota of overs for the first time in this series. He drew first blood for India by dismissing Kyle Mayers and finished with economical figures of 1/24 in four overs.
West Indies fell short of their target by 10-15 runs, thanks to Kuldeep and Axar’s impressive spells. Powell’s unbeaten 40 off just 19 deliveries provided some late fireworks but was not enough to propel the West Indies to a competitive total at the Providence Stadium in Georgetown.
Indian cricket fans rejoiced on Twitter, expressing their satisfaction after the disappointing performances in the first two games. Former and current cricketers also took to the platform to share their delight over India’s victory.
This victory gives India a much-needed boost in the series, and they will look to carry the momentum into the remaining matches. The young players like Yadav and Varma have showcased their immense potential, highlighting India’s depth in talent.
With the series finely poised, fans can expect an exciting battle between the two teams in the upcoming matches. India will be eager to level the series, while the West Indies will be determined to secure another victory and clinch the series.
In summary, Suryakumar Yadav’s sensational knock and India’s clinical performance helped them secure a comfortable win in the third T20I against West Indies. The victory keeps India’s hopes alive in the series and sets up an intriguing battle for the remaining matches.
