India suffered a heartbreaking 2-wicket defeat to West Indies in the second T20I at Guyana on Sunday. Batting first, India could only manage 152 for 7 in 20 overs, despite a brilliant half-century from Tilak Varma. Nicholas Pooran then scored a blistering 67 off 40 balls to help West Indies chase down the target with seven balls to spare. Hardik Pandya was the pick of the bowlers for India, taking 3 wickets for 35 runs. He was well supported by Yuzvendra Chahal, who took 2 wickets for 19 runs. However, India’s batting once again let them down, as they failed to build any partnerships.
Also read: West Indies vs India, 2nd T20I – Nicholas Pooran gets a quick fire fifty
Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav both fell cheaply, while Sanju Samson made just 7 runs. Tilak Varma was the only Indian batsman to make a significant contribution, scoring 51 off 41 balls. Hardik Pandya scored only 24 off 18.
In reply, West Indies got off to a slow start, but Pooran and Rovman Powell put on a crucial partnership to get them back on track. Pooran was eventually dismissed for 67, but Shimron Hetmyer saw West Indies home with a blistering 22-run inning.
.India’s loss means they now trail 2-0 in the five-match series. They will need to win the next three matches to avoid a series whitewash.
Hardik Pandya’s Bowling Brilliance. Pandya was the star of the show for India with the ball, taking three wickets for 35 runs in his 4-over spell. He was particularly impressive in the powerplay, dismissing Brandon King and Johnson Charles in his first two overs. He also bowled a crucial over in death, when he dismissed captain Rovman Powell for 21 to leave West Indies reeling at 126 for 5.
Pandya’s bowling was a major factor in India’s chances of victory, but it was not enough to prevent a defeat. The Indian batsmen will need to step up in the next match if they want to avoid a series whitewash.
India’s Batting Problems
India’s batting has been a major problem in the series so far. They have failed to put on any significant partnerships, and have been guilty of throwing away wickets at crucial moments. In the second T20I, India was in a good position at 60 for 3 in the 10th over. However, they lost three wickets in quick succession to slump to 114 for 5. Tilak Varma was the only Indian batsman to make a significant contribution, scoring 51 off 41 balls.
India’s batting needs to improve if they want to win the series. They need to find ways to build partnerships and score big runs. The 3rd T20 of the series will be played on Tuesday at Guyana.
