Key Takeaways
- India and West Indies concluded their five-match T20 series with a 2-2 draw.
- The final match was cut short by rain after just 48 minutes of play.
- Despite the shortened match, India's batters performed impressively, scoring 118-5 in 7.4 overs.
India and West Indies concluded their five-match Twenty20 International series on a damp note, settling for a 2-2 stalemate. The deciding match, which was scheduled to determine the series winner, was abruptly cut short by rain after just 48 minutes of play.
The match, played at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, faced delays of an hour and 45 minutes due to inclement weather. The reduced playtime meant that only nine overs per side could be attempted, making it impossible to reach a decisive conclusion.
Despite the shortened match, India's batters put up a spirited performance. Sanju Samson, who was put in by West Indies captain Shai Hope, scored 56 runs off just 23 balls. His innings was supported by contributions from Ishan Kishan and Naman Dhir, who collectively hit eight fours and seven sixes in their limited batting stint.
Ishan Kishan's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he brought up the 100th six of the series by swinging Romario Shepherd over long-on and out of the stadium. The aggressive batting by India's batters was a highlight of the match, despite the shortened duration.
However, the skies opened up again just as the match was reaching its climax, washing away any prospect of a decisive outcome. The umpires were forced to call off play with India at 118-5 in 7.4 overs, leaving the series tied at 2-2.
West Indies' bowlers, including Hope and Paul, managed to rein in India's batters after their initial onslaught. Their efforts were crucial in ensuring that the match did not end in India's favor, despite the shortened playtime.
The match was part of a series that had seen both teams perform at varying levels. India had won the first two matches, while West Indies had managed to level the series with two consecutive victories.
The 2-2 result means that the series ended in a draw, with both teams sharing the spoils. The series will be remembered for its high-scoring nature and the aggressive batting displayed by India's batters, as well as the disciplined bowling efforts of West Indies.
The Chinnaswamy Stadium, which hosted its first international fixture since the October 2024 Test match between India and New Zealand, saw more than 20,000 expectant fans braving the inclement weather to witness the action. Their patience was rewarded with a thrilling display of cricket, albeit cut short by the weather.
