Indian batsman Tilak Varma played a brilliant knock to guide India to a competitive total of 152 for seven against West Indies in the second match of the series. Varma, in his first T20I half-century, showcased his fearless approach and showcased an array of shots to score 51 runs off 41 balls. His innings was crucial in stabilizing India’s innings after they lost early wickets.
Coming in at a precarious situation with the score at 18 for two, Varma formed a vital 42-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, who contributed 27 runs. Varma then joined forces with skipper Hardik Pandya to add 38 runs to the total. Pandya scored a quickfire 24 runs but was dismissed by Alzarri Joseph’s excellent yorker.
India, opting to bat first, struggled to find their rhythm as they lost wickets at regular intervals. West Indies captain Rovman Powell made smart bowling changes that resulted in breakthroughs for his team. Kishan played a few shots, including a six, but couldn’t convert his start into a substantial innings as he was bowled by Romario Shepherd.
Shubman Gill’s innings was short-lived, and he perished after hitting a maximum off Joseph. Suryakumar Yadav was run out by Kyle Mayers, while Sanju Samson was stumped by Nicholas Pooran after charging down the track too early.
West Indies bowlers Akeal Hosein, Joseph, and Shepherd each picked up two wickets to restrict India’s scoring rate.
Even though India faced early setbacks, Varma’s calculated innings helped them reach a competitive total. His fearless approach and ability to hit boundaries all around the ground made him the youngest Indian to score a fifty in T20 Internationals.
India will now look to their bowlers to defend the target and level the series against a strong West Indies team.
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