2nd T20I, Thiruvananthapuram, December 08, 2019, 07:00 PM
India
170/7(20ov)
West Indies
173/2(18.3ov)
West Indies beat India by 8 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Lendl Simmons
Commentry
So that is it from this game! The series is all level heading into the decider and it is all to play for. The third T20I will be played in Mumbai at 1900 local (1330 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!
MAN OF THE MATCH, Lendl Simmons, says he enjoys playing against India, it is good to be back in form at the international stage with a fifty. States his innings did not start how he wanted it to but the batters around him took the pressure off and in the end it worked well for him. Reckons his job is to go hard in the Powerplay but it did not come off, it though got easier to bat as the game progressed. Ends by saying it is easy to bat once you get in.
West Indies skipper, Kieron Pollard, credits the guys for the way they played, their bowlers did really well to restrict them to 170. Admits the over he bowled changed the momentum in India's favor but his bowlers did brilliantly to pull them back. Further adds the batters executed their plans brilliantly and took them over the line. States the youngsters are very talented, they have done really in the domestic league and have a very exciting future. Also says the team is a mixture of experienced guys and youngsters where the latter shows the way and the fomrer enjoys the game. Mentions he has always been aggressive, captaincy does not matter, his will to win is very strong and since he is leading the Windies, it is even stronger now. Ends by saying they though will need to improve and stop bowling extras and their batting could be a little more clinical.
Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, says you can probably say batting first is an issue but they were very good till the first 16 overs however, they could not finish well. States Dube's knocked took them in a good position but the Windies bowlers were very good, they assessed the conditions and executed their plans nicely. Admits their fielding was disappointing, the dropped catches cost them and it is an area they need to improve and be a lot brave in a do or die game in Mumbai. On demoting himself in the batting order he says they knew they would get the spinners in and they thought of sending Shivam in and hoped he could attack the spinners.
Nicholas Pooran says there wasn't a lot of pressure, they did not want to panic, just build partnerships and they knew they would get over the line. States they are just trying to get better as a team and they give their best in all the games. Mentions he has been working really hard and it seems to be working now. Ends by saying cricket for him is all about having fun and he loves playing the sport.
Earlier in the day, courtesy of Dube and Pant India put up a total which one felt would be enough on this ground. However, they could have scored a lot more but lost momentum towards the end of their innings. The Windies carried forward that momentum in the chase and efforts from their top order saw them get over the line. Now, one of Windies' stars of tonight, Nicholas Pooran is giving an interview.
India looked out of sorts tonight with the ball and in the field! Misfields, dropped catches and poor bowling eventually saw them finish second best. Only Sundar had figures to remember, he though got no support from the rest. Overall, it is a performance India would like to forget.
India though will rue the opportunities they let go! The two dropped catches in one over itself has cost them the game here. Both the openers laid the foundation for the chase by giving the ideal start before Lewis was dismissed. Simmons though continued with Hetmyer and both added yet another handy stand. However, it was the partnership between Pooran and Simmons which took them over the line. The former played an exceptional cameo and the latter was probably the best batter, the game-winner one can say for the Windies.
SO WE WILL HAVE A DECIDER! We saw a clinical chase by India in the first T20I and now West Indies return the favor. Never did they seem in trouble during the second innings and this is one win which should take their confidence to another level. The wicket was termed to not be easy, the target was deemed as one which is well above par but the Windies batters have done it quite easily.
18.3
4
FOUR! Crunched! That made a cracking sound of the bat to wrap up a cracking win for the visitors. Shorter and on off, Pooran stays back and hammers it through mid-wicket for a boundary. All smiles in the West Indies camp as THEY HAVE WON BY 8 WICKETS!
18.2
1
2 needed now as this yorker is jammed out towards short third man for one.
18.1
.
A yorker on off, Simmons jams it out towards the keeper.
In over# 1
6
1
1
1
1
4
Bhuvneshwar Kumar 36/0(4)
17.6
6
SIX! This guy is some player! Nicholas Pooran you beauty! Brings the 50-run stand up in style and it is the match-winning partnership. A short one and on the body, NP pulls it over the backward square leg fence for a biggie. Just the three runs needed.
17.5
1
A yorker and on the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
17.4
1
On off, it is hit down to long off for one.
17.3
1
Shorter and on middle, Simmons pulls it through square leg for one.
17.2
1
A slower one and on the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.
17.1
4
FOUR! Creamed! West Indies want to end this in a hurry! This is full and wide outside off, Pooran caresses it past the cover fielder and it races into the fence. 13 more needed.
In over# 1
6
1wd
1
1
1
2
0
Deepak Chahar 30/0(3)
16.6
6
SIX! Just over! A flat six and the runs needed is less than the balls to be bowled! 17 needed in 18. This is fuller and on off, Simmons smashes it over the long off fence for a biggie. The extra ball costs Chahar and probably India the game.
16.6
1wd
WIDE! A yorker just outside the tramline! Simmons tries to jam it out but misses. Chahar sees signaling that the batsman had shuffled across but the umpire feels different.
16.5
1
Another single as this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
16.4
1
A full toss outside off, Simmons hits it towards deep cover for one.
16.3
1
The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total.
16.2
2
NOT OUT! Pooran is well in! However, that is a very good effort in the deep by Iyer. A slower one on middle, Pooran looks to go downtown but only hits it high up in the air down the ground. Iyer from long on runs to his right and then dives but fails to get to it. Long off does the mopping up job and fires it to the keeper who whips the bails off and appeals. The umpire takes it upstairs replays show Pooran is safe. Two taken.
A run out appeal has been taken upstairs. India do not seem that excited.
16.1
.
Good length and on off, Pooran pushes it to covers. A dot. India need a lot more.
Deepak Chahar is back on!
In over# 1
4
1
2
4
0
4
Bhuvneshwar Kumar 22/0(3)
15.6
4
FOUR! Up and over! Third boundary in the over and the game is now Windies' to lose. Simmons comes down the track and it is a length ball around off. LS lofts it over mid off and bags a boundary. 15 from the over. 29 needed in 24.
15.5
1
A single now as this is eased down to long off. Nothing fancy needed.
15.4
2
Now two! Works it through mid-wicket with soft hands and takes an easy two. Excellent placement.
15.3
4
FOUR! Caressed! Lovely, lovely batting! We saw power a couple of balls ago and now finesse. This is a length ball on off, Pooran hits it wide of mid off and it races away. 8 from the first three balls.
15.2
.
A slower one on off, Pooran pushes it towards cover.
15.1
4
FOUR! Just over! That is a brilliant attempt by Jadeja though. It was stuck so fiercely. Shorter and on middle, Pooran pulls it hard towards deep mid-wicket. Jadeja there is a few yards inside the ropes. It is going over him, he leaps with a hand stretched out but it goes over and bounces just inside. Good start to the over. Kumar under huge pressure now.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back on!
In over# 1
6
1
6
0
1
0
Yuzvendra Chahal 36/0(3)
14.6
6
SIX! Another big, big over this! Chahal tosses this up and on off, Simmons shuffles across, it ends up being in the zone and LS deposits it into the long on stand. 14 from the over, probably the over which turns the tide in West Indies' favor. 44 needed in 30.
14.5
1
Shorter and outside off, this is cut through point for one.
14.4
6
SIX! A hit me ball this! All the pressure that was building has been released. A short one and on off, Pooran goes back and pulls it way over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
14.3
.
Clever! Bowls it quicker and just inside the tramline outside off. Pooran lets it be. Two dots in the three balls bowled.
14.2
1
Slightly shorter and around off, Simmons stays leg side of the ball and cuts it through point for one.
14.1
.
On middle, this is pushed towards cover.
Yuzvendra Chahal is back on!
In over# 1
0
1
0W
6
6
1
Ravindra Jadeja 22/1(2)
13.6
.
BEATEN! Outside off, this is quicker. Pooran looks to drive but misses. End of an action-packed over, 14 runs and a wicket from it.
13.5
1
On middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Nicholas Pooran walks out to bat.
13.4
W
OUT! It is clean as a whistle! That is an absolute blinder. Virat Kohli is an absolute inspiration. Delivers with the bat when his team needs him and now does so in the field. Take a bow skipper! This is flatter and on middle, Hetmyer hammers it flat towards the long on fence. Kohli runs to his right, stretches his hands out and then takes a tumbling catch. He does exceptionally well to not slide onto the ropes. He indicates out straightaway. However, the umpire takes it upstairs. Replays roll in and they show that the catch is a brilliant one. A huge wicket as Hetmyer was hitting the boundaries at will. The game once again hangs in the balance now.
Has Kohli taken a blinder? Well, he does indicate it is out but the umpire, to be sure has taken it upstairs. SOFT SIGNAL IS OUT!
13.3
6
SIX! Right on the ropes! This is even better than the last biggie! It is full and outside off, Hetmyer powers it over the cover fielder and it seems to have gone all the way. The umpire goes upstairs to check and it shows it is a maximum.
13.2
6
SIX! Hetmyer loves playing Jadeja! Second biggie by him off Jadeja. It is slightly short and turning back into him. Hetmyer stays back and pulls it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
13.1
1
Fires it on the pads, Simmons works it through square leg and gets to the other end. 100 up for West Indies.
In over# 1
2
0
1
0
4
1
Shivam Dube 18/0(2)
12.6
2
One more yorker on middle, Hetmyer plays it nicely through mid-wicket with soft hands and takes two. 8 from the over, a good one in the context of the game by Dube. 72 needed in the last 7 overs.
12.5
.
A yorker on middle, Hetmyer jams it out towards covers.
12.4
1
Excellent fielding! Saves three does Chahal there. Shorter and around off, Simmons plays nice and late towards point. YC dives and pushes it away towards short third man. A single taken.
12.3
.
Shorter and on off, a little too close to play the cut shot and hence, Simmons ends up chopping it on the off side.
12.2
4
FOUR! Poor ball and put away! With third man up, short and outside off is not a ball you would want to bowl. Simmons cuts it over point and bags a boundary.
12.1
1
This is on middle, it is angling away. Hetmyer looks to work it against the angle through the leg side but gets a leading edge through point for one.
In over# 1
1
0
0
6
1
0
Ravindra Jadeja 8/0(1)
11.6
1
Tossed up outside off, dragged towards the leg side for a single.
11.5
.
Another one outside off and Hetmyer once again hits it to Shivam Dube at short third man.
11.4
.
Flatter once again and outside off, Shimron looks to drive it away from the body towards the off side but gets its off the outside half towards short third man.
11.3
6
SIX! Slogged over! Jadeja goes flat and Hetmyer fetches it from outside off and slogs it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.
11.2
1
Flatter one on middle, pushed towards mid on for a run.
11.1
.
Flatter and on middle, Simmons keeps it out.
Ravindra Jadeja is on!
In over# 1
0
0
1
4
1
1
2
Shivam Dube 10/0(1)
10.6
.
Two good deliveries to end! A yorker on middle, Hetmyer looks to jam it out, it hits the toe-end and goes to the keeper.
10.5
.
A dot now! Slower one on off, Hetmyer looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
10.4
1
Another good shot but just for one! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
10.3
4
FOUR! Makes most of the Free Hit. Also, it is a top class shot. It is very full, almost a yorker. Simmons uses the depth of the crease and hits it wide of long on for a one bounce boundary.
FREE HIT TIME!
10.3
1
Back of a length and on off, Hetmyer pushes it through covers for one. AND Dube has overstepped! The message is passed on from the third umpire and the next ball is a Free Hit.
10.2
1
On the pads, this is worked behind square on the leg side for one.
10.1
2
Sloppy work in the field! This is on the pads, it is worked towards short fine leg. Kumar dives over the ball and the batters take two.
Shivam Dube comes onto bowl now. Can he replicate the same success with the ball as he did with the bat?
In over# 1
0
0W
0
1
0
1
Washington Sundar 26/1(4)
9.6
.
On middle, Hetmyer keeps it out. End of Sundar for tonight. His figures read 4-0-26-1. A good evening with the ball for him.
Shimron Hetmyer comes in to bat.
9.5
W
OUT! STUMPED! Sundar strikes in his last over of his spell. A much-needed wicket for India. End of an excellent opening stand. Credit to Washington. He has beautifully bowled that. He slows it up nicely, gives it a lot of loop. Lewis comes down the track and swings wildly. Is beaten because of the turn and Pant behind makes no mistake. They go upstairs to check whether Pant has taken it behind the stumps and he has done so. The crowd finally finds its voice back. However, why did Lewis play that shot? He has been struggling against Sundar and it was the second last ball of the offie's spell, he could have probably played it out but he had different ideas. India will hope to pull things back into their half now. 98 needed in 61.
9.4
.
On the pads, it skids through. Lewis tries to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.
9.3
1
This is fired on middle, Simmons mistimes it through mid-wicket for one.
9.2
.
Well bowled! Slows it up and lands it outside off, Simmons is slightly early in the slog sweep and he misses.
9.1
1
Flatter and on off, Lewis pushes it through covers for one.
In over# 1
0
0
6
4
0
2
Yuzvendra Chahal 22/0(2)
8.6
.
Tossed up outside off, spinning too, Simmons lets it be.
8.5
.
Flatter and outside off, cut straight to point. This time Jadeja does not repeat the mistake.
8.4
6
SIX! Punished! Simmons is firing on all cylinders. This time Chahal bowls one on middle and leg, Simmons lofts it over mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep looks interested initially but later on sees the ball sail over his head and into the fence.
8.3
4
MISFIELD AND FOUR! You don't expect it from one of India's finest fielders. Jadeja spills one. Chahal bowls one flat and wide, Simmons cuts it through point where Jadeja lets the ball through his fingers. The ball runs to the fence in a flash.
8.2
.
Leg spinner outside off, left alone.
8.1
2
Tossed up outside off, Simmons slashes it through covers for a couple.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
6
1
Washington Sundar 24/0(3)
7.6
.
A dot to end! On off, it is kept out. So despite the biggie, just the 8 runs from the over.
7.5
.
On middle, Lewis looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
7.4
.
NOT OUT! The impact is outside off and India indeed lose a review. It never looked out to be honest. Not sure what that was taken. Shorter and around off, it turns away and also stays low. Lewis gets his back leg out of the line of off and then tries to pull but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal but it is turned down. Kohli after a chat with his bowler reviews and replays show that the on-field calls stays.
Review time! An appeal for an LBW has been turned down and Kohli reviews. It seems like India will be losing a review here.
7.3
1
On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. Good batting.
7.2
6
SIX! Straight down the ground! Simmons joins the party now. This is very full, right in the zone. Simmons smacks it over the bowler's head and it goes all the way. The crowd has gone silent here.
7.1
1
In the air... but safe! Shorter and angled into the pads. Lewis is unsure whether to pull or flick. He plays a half-hearted stroke. It goes off the top edge but lands safe in the short fine leg region for one.
In over# 1
1
0
0
6
1
1
1wd
Yuzvendra Chahal 10/0(1)
6.6
1
A single to end! Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one. 10 from the over. Not a good start by Chahal.
6.5
.
Loose stroke! This is slower through the air and outside off, EL decides late to just hang his bat out, gets beaten.
6.4
.
Flatter and outside off, EL guides it to point.
6.3
6
SIX! Another biggie for Lewis! Fifty up in style for the Windies. Chahal bowls it on the leg stump. Lewis plays the slog sweep and it goes well over the square leg fence. Runs flowing now.
6.2
1
On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
6.1
1
Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
6.1
1wd
Starts off with a flatter one outside off, left alone. Wided.
Yuzvendra Chahal is on now!
In over# 1
1
0
1wd
6
0
6
1
Washington Sundar 16/0(2)
5.6
1
A single to end the Powerplay! The sixth over proves to be an expensive one. A sedate start for the Windies but they haven't lost a wicket. The last ball is hit hard to the right of the bowler. He misfields and it goes down to long off for one. 130 needed in 84.
5.5
.
Well bowled! Sees Lewis come down the track and bowls it short. EL does well to defend it back towards the bowler.
5.5
1wd
WIDE! Down the leg side, Lewis looks to sweep but misses.
5.4
6
SIX! The dropped catch is already proving to be expensive. Another huge hit. Lewis makes use of his feet this time and gets to the pitch of it. He tonks it over the long off fence. Second biggie in the over.
5.3
.
Sundar bangs this one short and outside off, it turns away and hence, Lewis mistimes it towards covers.
5.2
6
SIX! First of the chase and welcome, welcome one! Out comes the slog sweep, Lewis has nailed it and it goes way over the mid-wicket stand.
5.1
1
Simmons comes down the track and hits it over mid-wicket. There is a fielder in the deep and a single is taken.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
1
0
Bhuvneshwar Kumar 7/0(2)
4.6
1
A single to end as this is worked towards point. The fielder has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. A brilliant over, there could have easily been two wickets but none in the end.
4.5
1
Back of a length and on off, Lewis pushes it towards cover for one.
4.4
.
EDGED AND DROPPED! This is a little tough but Pant who is wearing the gloves, should hang on. Kumar has been very unlucky till now. He could have had both the openers in the space of 3 balls. Lewis makes room and Kumar bowls it closer to his body. Lewis looks to cut but there is no room on offer. It goes off the outside edge towards Pant. He is moving initially to his right but then dives to his left, gets two hands to it but spills it. This can prove very costly.
4.3
.
Shorter and outside off, Lewis looks to power it but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
4.2
1
DROPPED! Sundar is the culprit! Never easy these skiers but you expect them to be taken at this stage. The knuckle ball from Kumar. It is on middle, Simmons is way too early in his shot. He only hits it high up in the air towards mid off where Sundar drops it. A single taken. Simmons, who is short of runs, needed such luck. Will this change his fortunes? Can he make India pay?
4.1
.
Kumar angles this one into the batter, Simmons is cramped for room. He swings but misses to get hit near the box.
Change of ends for Bhuvaneshwar Kumar. 1-04-0 so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Washington Sundar 1/0(1)
3.6
.
Five dots in a row! Brilliant start by Sundar. Slower through the air on off, Lewis guides it with the turn to point.
3.5
.
Make that four as another delivery is pushed to covers.
3.4
.
This is angled into the stumps and then it straightens. Lewis pushes it to covers again. 3 dots in a row.
3.3
.
Floats it up on off, kept out.
3.2
.
A huge shout but only by the keeper! This fired on the stumps, Lewis looks to flick but the ball straightens. It hits the leading edge and then hits the pads. Pant appeals but he is the only one doing so.
3.1
1
On middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Spin time! Washington Sundar comes on.
In over# 1
2
1wd
1
1
0
4
4
Deepak Chahar 18/0(2)
2.6
2
In the air... it lands in no man's land! Shorter and around off, Lewis looks to hammer it down the ground but does not time it well. Mid off runs after it and saves two for his side.
2.6
1wd
WIDE! It is way too short and outside off, Lewis lets it be. It has been wided. Chahar is not happy.
2.5
1
Slightly shorter again and on middle, Simmons looks to pull but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.
2.4
1
On the pads, Lewis works it through square leg and gets to the other end.
2.3
.
Better! Gets it fuller this time and lands it on off, blocked.
2.2
4
FOUR! Through the off side! Poor bowling! The mid-wicket was taken back and Chahar bowls it outside off. Lewis stays back and pushes it through covers and it races away. 8 from the first two balls.
2.1
4
FOUR! Up and over! Powered over the fielder! Shorter in length and just outside off, Lewis pulls it over the mid-wicket fence and bags a boundary. Good start to this over.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
2
0
Bhuvneshwar Kumar 4/0(1)
1.6
.
Length and on the off pole, LS stays back and keeps it out off the back foot. A good start by Kumar.
1.5
1
Slightly short and outside off, Lewis looks to pull but it goes off the inner half through square leg for one.
1.4
.
Uppish but well short! On a length and around off, Lewis pushes at it with hard hands towards cover.
Sanjay Manjrekar on the ground. He says that there is bit of dew coming in but not enough to trouble the fielders out there.
1.3
1
OHHH! That came in a long way! Starts way outside off and then tails back in late. Simmons looks to cut but gets an inside edge which goes on the leg side for one.
1.2
2
Two taken! Not timed really well but enough to clear the in-field. Shorter and on off, Simmons looks to flat-bat it, it goes off the higher part over mid on who runs back and keeps it down to two.
1.1
.
Back of a length and on off, Simmons stays back and keeps it out.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
4
0
0
1
0
0
Deepak Chahar 5/0(1)
0.6
4
FOUR! Top edge and a boundary! Spoils what was a gem of an over till then, still a good one though. The last ball is slightly short around leg. Lewis looks to hit it through the leg side but due to the movement away, it goes off the top edge and down to the third man fence.
The batter pulls out now! Deepak Chahar once again halts in his bowling run up. This time Lewis pulls out at the last moment.
0.5
.
Wide? Lewis did feel it was one. Way too wide outside off, close to the tramline. Lewis lets it be. Umpire has his hands by his side.
0.4
.
Good movement! This starts on off and then shapes away. Lewis opens the face of the bat and guides it to point.
0.3
1
Windies are underway! On middle, Simmons works it wide of mid on and gets to the other end.
0.2
.
BEATEN! This lands on off and then moves away. Simmons is drawn into the stroke. He plays it away from the body and gets beaten.
0.1
.
Simmons straightaway gives him the charge maybe to negotiate the swing. Chahar still bowls an awayswinger fuller and on middle, Simmons pushes it to mid off.
A false start as Deepak Chahar pulls out just as he was about to jump.
Welcome back for the second innings. The Indian team is in a huddle and skipper Kohli has few words for his players before they disperse onto the field. Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis come in to bat for the Windies. Deepak Chahar to start with the ball for the hosts. The chase is on...
Shivam Dube says sending him at no. 3 was a plan, he backs himself in that position and he is pleased that he played well. Informs he was told before that he will be batting at no. 3. States he likes playing power shots and that is his strength. Ends by saying the pitch was not easy to bat on and he felt he should be concentrating more on timing the ball and it worked well in the end.
The target is a very competitive one and Windies will have to bat really well if they are to chase this down. The wicket is tacky and India will fancy themselves to defend it. Will there be a series decider? Stay tuned to find out for now, Dube is seen giving an interview.
The Windies bowling was very erratic! Too many extras, a lot of bad deliveries which did not help their cause. At one time, India were striking at above 9 per over which is very good on this wicket. Holder and Pollard were very poor with the ball. Walsh had a decent outing. Williams made a good comeback from the last game and Cottrell was decent. Overall though the Windies won't be very pleased with their performance.
The Indian innings once again saw an early wicket, this time it was Rahul. Rohit too did not contribute a lot. The Indian innings however was about a youngster, Shivam Dube. His first real opportunity to make amends with the bat and he grabs it. Promoted at no. 3 and Dube managed to score a blazing half century. The Indians were struggling at once but his knock took them in a commanding position. Pant then took over things once Shivam was dismissed, he kept losing partners at the other end but he continued scoring runs. At one stage 180 or 190 looked likely but the pitch really kept getting worse and India fell well short of the 180-run mark.
Just the 26 runs from the last 4 overs and the Windies have managed to pull things back nicely. However, it is India who will be the happier of the two sides walking back as one feels, the score on the board is more than enough on this surface.
19.6
2
A couple to end a fantastic last over by Cottrell! Just the 6 runs and a wicket from it. Short and on middle, Pant hits it through mid-wicket and takes two. INDIA END WITH 170!
19.5
1
Another single! Outside off, Chahar drags it through mid-wicket for one.
Deepak Chahar comes in to bat. He will be on strike.
19.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Out comes the salute. First wicket for Cottrell. One more slower one on off, Sundar waits for it and tries to pull. It hits the higher part and then lobs back gently to Sheldon who makes no mistake. This is a very good last over till now. 3 runs and a wicket. Two balls to go.
19.3
1
Another slower short ball on off, Pant mistimes his stroke down to long on for one. The wicket seems to be getting worse as Pant is really struggling to time the ball.
19.2
2
One more slower one on off, Pant waits for it and hits it wide of long on for two.
19.1
.
The bat has travelled to square leg! Wondering what I just wrote? I'll explain. A full ball outside off, Pant swings really hard but misses. The bat though slips out of his hand and goes as far as the square leg umpire.
Washington Sundar walks in to bat.
In over# 1
0W
0
2
2
1
1wd
1lb
1wd
Kesrick Williams 29/2(4)
18.6
W
OUT! KABOOM! The off pole is uprooted. You miss, I hit stuff! A slower one on off, Jadeja swings but is done in by the lack of pace. He misses and the stumps are shattered. A wicket to end the penultimate over. A good one by Williams, 8 runs and a wicket.
18.5
.
A dot! Length and around off, Jadeja looks to play it away from his body but it goes off the inner half back to the bowler.
18.4
2
A full toss on the pads, Jadeja looks to use the pace of the bowler and just guide it towards fine leg but does not get it right. It goes towards deep backward square leg for two.
18.3
2
Good fielding! This is shorter and on middle, Jadeja pulls it nicely towards deep mid-wicket. Walsh covers ground quickly, then dives and stops it. He parries it to Hetmyer who runs to his right from deep square leg. Two taken.
18.2
1
One more slower one on middle, Pant swings but does not get it off the middle. It goes through mid-wicket for one.
18.2
1wd
One more wide! Down the leg side again, Pant swings but misses.
18.1
1lb
Jadeja comes down the track way too early. It is banged short. Jadeja looks to pull but misses to get hit on the body. It rolls towards cover and a single is taken. Leg bye taken.
18.1
1wd
A slower one down the leg side, Jadeja swings but misses. Wided. Too many extras have been bowled by the Windies.
Kesrick Williams to bowl his final one.
In over# 1
0
1
1lb
1
0
1wd
2
Sheldon Cottrell 21/0(3)
17.6
.
Excellent fielding and a dot to end a very good over! Full and on off, Jadeja hits it hard to the right of the bowler who dives, sticks one hand out and stops it.
17.5
1
Good length and on off, this is guided to the man at point.
17.4
1lb
A slower short ball, it comes off very slow. Pant is way too early in the pull. It hits his body and rolls on the off side. Leg bye taken.
17.3
1
A little too straight again, this is worked through square leg for one.
17.2
.
A slower one on middle, Jadeja looks to pull but it goes off the inner half towards short fine leg.
17.2
1wd
Jadeja comes down the track and Cottrell bangs it short. It is very short and it has been wided.
17.1
2
Direct hit and it would have been close! This is worked through mid-wicket with soft hands. The bowler runs after it. The batters take one and go for the second. The bowler has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses.
Sheldon Cottrell comes back on. His figures so far read 2-0-16-0.
In over# 1
4
1
0
1
0W
0
Hayden Walsh 28/2(4)
16.6
4
FOUR! That has pierced the gap brilliantly! Once again the last ball ruins the over somewhat. A tossed up ball outside off, Pant bisects the fielder at deep cover and long off for a boundary.
16.5
1
The googly and on middle, Jadeja looks to defend but it turns away, it goes off the outer half towards point for one.
16.4
.
Flatter and on middle, Jadeja plays it to the left of the bowler.
16.3
1
On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
Sword man, Ravindra Jadeja comes in to bat. Can he give the finishing touches to this Indian innings?
16.2
W
OUT! Walsh gets another! He tosses it up outside off, Iyer looks to go big but the ball turns away. It goes off the outer half uppishly towards point where King takes a good catch. Half the side back in the hut for India. Can Windies keep them under 180?
16.1
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
Hayden Walsh is back on.
In over# 1
4
1
4
1
1
1
Jason Holder 42/1(4)
15.6
4
FOUR! Second one from the over. This time it is Pant. Holder strays one on Rishabh's pads and Pant flicks it through square leg. Pure timing on this one. Pant spilts the gap between fine leg and mid-wicket for a boundary.
15.5
1
Iyer nudges this length ball off his pads towards mid-wicket for a run.
15.4
4
FOUR! Beautifully driven. Iyer read the length early and drives it uppishly through covers. The fielder at cover leaps but fails to get to the ball. The ball races to the cover fence for a boundary.
15.3
1
Length and around off, driven through covers. The fielder in the deep cleans it up as the batsmen cross ends.
15.2
1
Full and angling on middle and leg, Iyer squeezes it towards square leg for a single.
15.1
1
Length and around off, driven through covers for a run.
Jason Holder is back! This is his last over.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1
0
Hayden Walsh 22/1(3)
14.6
1
Very full and on middle, Pant jams it out towards mid-wicket for one. A very good over this by Walsh.
14.5
1
Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
14.4
1
Tossed up on off, it is eased down to long on for one.
14.3
.
The googly, Pant plays a wristy shot towards short fine leg but for no runs.
14.2
1
Shorter and outside off, Iyer stays back and slaps it through covers for one.
14.1
.
Flatter and outside off, it turns away. Iyer looks to play it late but gets beaten.
In over# 1
1
0
1
4
1
0W
1
Kesrick Williams 22/1(3)
13.6
1
Back of a length and on off, Iyer plays it late towards the off side for one. A successful over for Williams.
13.5
.
A slower one on off, Iyer seems to be foxed by the lac off pace. He does well to take one hand off the handle and push it along the ground to covers.
13.4
1
The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. They pick up a single.
13.3
4
FOUR! Pant takes full toll of it with a very cheeky shot. Have to say, he did brilliantly to get that away. It is a very low full toss outside off. Pant plays the paddle, he somehow manages to get it past the short fine leg fielder and into the fence.
FREE HIT TIME!
13.3
1
This is angled into the batter, it is eased down to long on for one. And once again has Williams overstepped as the third umpire sends the message to the on-field umpire. Free Hit coming up.
Shreyas Iyer comes in to bat replacing his skipper.
13.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Absolute silence here in the stadium. The battle between Kohli and Williams is won by the latter this time. He does not get the notebook out though just puts his finger on the lips and signals that he would probably remain quiet. Sees Kohli come down the track and bangs it short. Kohli looks to guide it towards short third man but fails to get on top of the bounce. It hits the higher part of the bat and lobs towards that fielder. Simmons takes a dolly. Wickets is the only way West Indies can stop this run flow.
13.1
1
Full and on middle, Pant flicks it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
Kesrick Williams comes back on!
In over# 1
0
2
4
0
0
1
Hayden Walsh 18/1(2)
12.6
.
Straight to the fielder! Kohli misses out there. A gift for him, it is a full toss outside off. VK hits it hard but straight to covers. Despite the boundary, just the 7 from the over.
12.5
2
A couple now! Shorter and on middle, Kohli pulls it through wide mid on. Long on gets across and keeps it down to two.
12.4
4
FOUR! Dragged to the fence! Not off the middle but Kohli once again won't care. This is outside off, Kohli goes down on one knee and drags it through mid-wicket. It is in the gap and it races away.
12.3
.
Shorter and outside off, Kohli goes back and guides it to point.
12.2
.
BEATEN! That is one ball which will get the Indian spinners very excited. Flatter and on off, it pitches and turns away. Beats the outside edge of Kohli's bat as he tries to defend.
12.1
1
A low full toss on the leg pole, Pant somehow sweeps it through square leg for one. A good shot in the end as it was dipping on him.
In over# 1
4
2
1
1
0
0
Jason Holder 30/1(3)
11.6
4
EDGY FOUR! The last ball spoils the over! 8 from it in the end! Kohli makes room and this is bowled on a length around off. Kohli looks to loft it on the up but it flies off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.
A halt in play as Kohli has an issue with his bat. Change of bats for him.
11.5
2
Two now! A low full toss on the pads, it is worked through backward square leg for two.
11.4
1
A single! Fuller and outside off, it is hit through covers for one.
11.3
1
Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers and a single is taken. Just the single from the first three balls of the over.
11.2
.
Fuller and on off, Kohli strokes it to mid off.
11.1
.
Kohli makes room and Holder follows him with a short one. Kohli ends up chopping it to point.
Jason Holder comes back on. 2-0-22-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
6
0
1
0W
0
4
Hayden Walsh 11/1(1)
10.6
6
SIX! Off the mark with a biggie in the last match and off the mark with a biggie in this one too. This is floated up outside off, Pant goes down on one knee and clears the cover fence. End of an eventful over, 11 runs and a wicket.
10.5
.
On off, kept out.
10.4
1
NOT OUT! Kohli is in! He brilliantly grounded his bat there! This is flatter and on middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket and the batters go for a run. The fielder scores a direct hit at the non-striker's end. An appeal and the umpire takes it upstairs. Replays roll in and it shows Kohli is in. He was at full stretch when he was grounding his bat. Perfect way to do so.
Run out check sent upstairs. Initial replays show that the Indian skipper has dragged his bat back in time.
Rishabh Pant walks in to bat. Can he play the way he is known for? Hit or perish style.
10.3
W
OUT! TAKEN! Walsh does get his man. The missed chance does not count for a lot. Pollard will be a relieved man as Dube was taking the game away from his side. End of an electrifying knock by Dube. He kept going after the bowler, he sees the flight on this one which is tossed outside off. Dube swings but only ends up slicing it up in the air towards extra cover where Hetmyer goes back and makes no mistake. West Indies now will look to crawl back into the game.
10.2
.
Flatter and outside off, this one stays low. Dube looks to power it again but misses.
10.1
4
FOUR! What just happened there? Did he lose it in the lights? Probably yes. The googly on off, it is outside off, Dube hammers it uppishly down towards long on. Pollard there gets in line of the ball. It seems like it would be an easy catch for him but then he seems to have lost the sight, he looks to take evasive action but the ball hits his body and rolls to the fence. Fortunate boundary.
Hayden Walsh finally takes the ball in his hand. Can he create a magic with the ball tonight?
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
2nb
2
1
1wd
Kesrick Williams 14/0(2)
9.6
1
Fifty for Shivam Dube! First one for him in this format. His promotion up the order has worked brilliantly. It did not look that way though when he came out. He was struggling all the while but that one six, probably his first one changed it for him. He is eyeing it like a foot ball out there. If he stays for longer, India will be all set for a huge total. On the body, it is worked through square leg for one. Raises the bat and soaks in the applause.
9.5
1
Length and outside off, Kohli runs this down to third man for a run.
9.4
.
Length and around off, Kohli blocks it off the back foot.
9.3
1
Full and on leg, Dube slogs it to the leg side for a run.
Free Hit time!
9.3
2nb
Williams goes short and Kohli pulls it through mid-wicket and takes a run. The umpires take it upstairs for a no ball check. Yes, it is a No ball.
9.2
2
Length and on middle, Kohli nudges it towards mid-wicket and calls for a quick run. Seeing the fielder there in the deep Kohli takes another one.
9.1
1
Full and on middle and leg, Dube slogs it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
9.1
1wd
WIDE! Length and down leg, Dube looks to nudge it down to the leg side. Misses it and Wide called by the umpire.
Kesrick Williams comes on! 1-05-0 his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
6
6
1wd
1wd
6
2
1wd
2
Kieron Pollard 29/0(2)
8.6
1
Just a single to end a magnificent over for India. Probably the momentum changing one. It is on off, Dube sensibly pushes it towards cover for one. The fielder did have a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Also, Dube was a touch lazy there, he did not make an effort to ground his bat. Not correct from the youngster. He would have been a goner had that hit the stumps. Kohli would have been gutted had Dube got out that way.
8.5
6
SIX! Over the off side this time! This is probably the best of the lot. The promotion is working wonders at the moment. This shot had so much of Yuvraj Singh in it. It is a full toss outside off, a seam-up delivery. Dube reaches out for it, gets it right off the middle and clears the cover fence. Third in the over.
8.4
6
SIX! Colossal! This is once again right in the zone for Dube, it is a length ball and on middle. Shivam hammers it over the mid-wicket fence. That first biggie has really got him going here. He is watching the ball a lot closely and hitting them really well. Kohli is ecstatic.
8.4
1wd
Another wide! Pollard feeling the pressure. He bowls it again way too wide outside off.
8.4
1wd
WIDE! Looking to stay away from Dube's hitting zone but ends up bowling it way too wide outside off. Wided.
8.3
6
SIX! Take that Pollard, says Dube. A short one and Dube loves it there. It is not going to trouble him at that pace. He pulls it way over the mid-wicket fence.
8.2
2
Another two! Very full and on middle, this is whipped through mid-wicket and the batters take two. Some words being exchanged between Pollard and Dube. Maybe the latter did not like Pollard coming in his way while he was completing the first. The big man surely did not do that on purpose.
8.2
1wd
A little too wide outside off, it is left alone. Wided.
8.1
2
Good running! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped down to long off. The fielder is a touch wide and two is taken.
In over# 1
1
1
0W
1
4
6
Jason Holder 22/1(2)
7.6
1
The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. End of action-packed over, 13 runs and a wicket from it.
7.5
1
Kohli is off the mark! This is on off, it is eased down to long on for one.
Virat Kohli the Indian skipper walks in to bat amid loud cheers from the crowd. The team would want their skipper to up the ante.
7.4
W
OUT! TIMBER! Rohit Sharma is out of here. Maybe, he got frustrated as he wasn't getting the strike and was also not able to get the boundaries away. He looks to be innovative as he tries to paddle scoop this delivery which is around middle and leg. It is a length ball. Misses and it clips the bails. Once again, just as the partnership started to get going, West Indies break through. The shot could be questioned though as already 11 had come from the three balls. Maybe he wanted to get one right out off the middle to get in that feel-good factor. Windies though will be delighted.
7.3
1
Sensible batting! Got 10 from the first two balls, this one is a good delivery, on the body, he is cramped for room. Dube works it through mid-wicket for one.
7.2
4
FOUR! In the gap! Dube is turning it on here now! 10 from the first two balls of this over. Full this time and on the pads, Dubey whips it in the gap in the mid-wicket region and bags a boundary. Can India make this the much-needed big over?
7.1
6
SIX! All the way! Finally he connects with one. This should get him going. Short and on middle, Dube is probably ready for it. He nails the pull shot and it goes all the way over the mid-wicket fence.
Jason Holder comes on now! His figures so far read 1-0-9-0.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
1
Kieron Pollard 3/0(1)
6.6
1
Another rash shot! Way too wide outside off again. Dube swings but it goes off the toe-end towards point for one. An excellent start for Pollard.
6.5
.
Another dot! This is way too wide outside off, Dube slaps it but to covers. He could have left that one, it would have been a wide.
6.4
.
The last one bounced quite a lot and this one stayed low! A slower one this time and it is outside off. Dube swings again but misses. SD is just swinging his bat out there. He needs to be watching the ball a lot more. He probably is playing under a lot of pressure.
6.3
.
An effort delivery from Pollard! He bends his back on this one and bangs it short. It is outside off, Dube looks to pull but is done in by the bounce and the pace.
6.2
1
Shorter and on middle, Rohit pulls it through mid-wicket for one.
6.1
1
An off cutter on middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Kieron Pollard is on now! The skipper brings himself on after the power play. He might get something from the pitch for his style of bowling.
In over# 1
2
0
1
1
0
1
Kesrick Williams 5/0(1)
5.6
2
In the air... but safe! Rohit uses his feet and Williams bowls a slower one. Rohit is early in the loft. It goes off the inner half over mid-wicket and two is taken. Just the 5 from the 6th. A sedate Powerplay, India are 42 for 1. They initially got off to a flier but Windies pulled things back really well.
5.5
.
A wild heave! Rohit might be getting a little itchy here. Two balls left in the Powerplay and he probably was looking to take advantage. It is outside off, Rohit swings but misses.
5.4
1
Good shot for a run! A slower one on middle, Dubey waits and then picks it up nicely. It goes on the bounce to deep square leg and one is taken.
5.3
1
Almost drags it on! Risky shot. Williams goes wide of the crease and angles it into the off pole. A little too close to run it down to third man. He ends up chopping it to the right of the keeper for one.
5.2
.
Slightly shorter and outside off, Rohit cuts it but to point. A good shot but for no runs.
5.1
1
On the pads, Dube works it behind square and takes one. Cramped Dube for room there by bowling it on the body.
Kesrick Williams replaces Khary Pierre. He will bowl the last over of the power play.
In over# 1
4
0
1
4
0
0
Jason Holder 9/0(1)
4.6
4
FOUR! That sat up to be hit! Short and it is the slower one, Rohit has enough time to swivel and pull it behind square on the leg side. A boundary to end a good over for the Indians.
4.5
.
Well bowled! Lands it on a length and around middle, Rohit keeps it out.
4.4
1
Another short one on off, Dube again clears his front leg and drags it through mid-wicket for one.
4.3
4
TOP EDGE AND FOUR! This should calm Dube a little. He is just throwing his bat around at the moment. This time Holder bangs it short. Dube swings but gets a top edge, it goes over the keeper's head and into the third man fence.
4.2
.
That must have hurt! Shorter and on the body, Dube looks to pull but the ball skids through and hits him on the body. Two wild strokes by him. Needs to calm down a little.
4.1
.
Poor shot! Shorter and wide outside off, Dube with no foot movement, throws his bat at it but misses.
Jason Holder is on now! He replaces the erratic Sheldon Cottrell who was struggling with his lines and lengths in the two overs he bowled.
In over# 1
0
1
0
2
1
0W
Khary Pierre 11/1(2)
3.6
.
A dot to end a top over by Pierre. A wicket and 4 from it. Flatter and on off, Rohit guides it towards cover-point.
3.5
1
Fires it on the pads, Dube works it through mid-wicket and takes one.
3.4
.
Floats it up on off, this is played back to the bowler.
3.3
2
Overthrow! Sloppy that! Dube is off the mark. This is tossed up on off, Dube pushes it towards mid off and the batters take off. Williams picks the ball up and has a needless shy at the non-striker's end. Misses and another run is taken.
3.2
1
Good running! This is flatter and on off, Rohit taps it towards cover and takes one.
Shivam Dube walks out to bat. Surprise from the Indian skipper to promote Dube at number 3.
3.1
W
OUT! In the air... taken! Once again it is Pierre who picks the first wicket. It was Rohit in the last game and it is Rahul this time. Khary tosses it up, nice and slow around middle. Rahul brings out the slog sweep but only manages to get a top edge. It goes high up in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Hetmyer takes a good catch. Good wicket as Rahul was in good touch. Also, he played that shot brilliantly in the last game but this time, the wicket is not as true as the last one and hence, he could not get hold of it. A much-needed wicket as the openers were off to a good start.
In over# 1
1
0
2
1lb
0
1
Sheldon Cottrell 16/0(2)
2.6
1
A better delivery! A slower one outside off, it does not shape back in. Rahul guides it towards point where Walsh fumbles and a single is taken. A very good second over by Cottrell.
2.5
.
Good ball! Rahul makes room and Cottrell follows him with a yorker. Rahul looks to jam it out but misses.
2.4
2
A couple! Strays on the pads once again, Rahul works it past the diving backward square leg fielder and two is taken. SC is getting some decent movement but he is bowling it a little too straight. Needs to start from outside off.
2.3
1lb
A leg bye! Fuller and it starts to tail back in from leg pole. Rohit looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls on the off side for one.
2.2
.
Ouch! Slightly shorter and on middle, Rohit looks to pull but the ball does not bounce as much as he expected it to. Rohit is hit flush on the box.
2.1
1
Continues bowling it on the leg stump, Rahul works it through square leg and gets to the other end. Cottrell seems to be struggling to get his line right here.
In over# 1
1
0
0
4
1
1
Khary Pierre 7/0(1)
1.6
1
A single to end another good over for India. This is on middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
1.5
.
Sees Rahul coming down the track and drags his length back. Rahul pushes it back to the bowler.
1.4
.
Better! Bowls it on the stumps and fuller, Rahul pushes it to covers.
1.3
4
FOUR! Too short and width on offer and Rahul makes the bowler pay. It is a quicker one and outside off, shorter in length. Rahul slaps it past cover and it races away to the fence.
1.2
1
Rohit now eases this tossed up ball down to long off and takes one.
1.1
1
Slows it up on off, Rahul eases it down to long off for one.
Khary Pierre to bowl from the other end. Spin to partner pace from the other end. Interesting captaincy from Pollard here.
In over# 1
0
1wd
0
4
0
1
5wd
1
Sheldon Cottrell 12/0(1)
0.6
.
Once again a little too straight, Rohit misses out as he tries to flick but does not connect and gets hit on the pads. A dot to end but a very expensive first over.
0.6
1wd
WIDE! Once again slips this one down the leg side, wided. Cottrell maybe struggling with the field which has been placed for him. It is more of a leg side field and in the attempt to not give room to the batter, he is bowling it down the leg side.
0.5
.
Once again very straight, it is worked to square leg.
0.4
4
FOUR! First boundary off the bat! Another gift from Cottrell. Down the leg side, Rohit just puts bat to it and it races to the fine leg fence. It was Rahul who opened the boundary account in the last game for India, it is Rohit in this game.
0.3
.
Some movement for Cottrell. It is a little too straight though. Rohit looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
0.2
1
Rahul gets underway! Gets it right does Cottrell, he lands it on off, Rahul guides it down to third man and gets to the other end.
0.2
5wd
FIVE WIDES! Erratic delivery. Way down the leg side and swinging away further. Rahul misses his flick by a long way. Pooran dives but he has no chance and it goes to the fine leg fence. Not a good start this by Cottrell.
0.1
1
India off the mark with a strange pull shot there! Cottrell bangs it short and it is outside off, it seems to have stuck in the surface. Rohit pulls it through backward square leg and a single is taken. Sharma might not have intended to hit it that fine but due to the lack of pace, it went there. He was already through with the shot.
Time for the action to begin! Out walk the Windies players and they are followed by the Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Rohit will be on strike and he will be facing Sheldon Cottrell who will start the proceedings for the visitors. Here we go...
Ian Bishop is interviewing Sheldon Cottrell. The pacer says he was happy with how he bowled but they did not do that well as a team in the last game. Admits the bowling unit did not come to the fore, he was disappointed the other day but he is up for this game after an excellent team meeting. States they did not stick to their plans in the last game and that is what they will be hoping to do here even if they get hit for a boundary. Ends by saying the boys are looking forward to this game and the atmosphere in the dressing room is wonderful.
INDIA (UNCHANGED PLAYING XI) - Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal.
WEST INDIES (PLAYING XI) - Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran (WK) (IN FOR DENESH RAMDIN), Shimron Hetmyer, Kieron Pollard (C), Jason Holder, Khary Pierre, Hayden Walsh, Sheldon Cottrell, Kesrick Williams.
Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, says they wanted to bowl first too but the toss is not controllable. States they need to improve in the fielding and the bowling department. He further emphasizes that they have a chance to test themselves as they are going to defend here. Reckons it should be a good pitch to bat on first up and probably get slow later on. Further adds batting first has not been a worry, they have defended totals in the past and they need to bat well now and back themselves and believe in their skills. Also says he learned a lot from his last innings and he is happy to contribute and he is happy he took his team over the line. Informs they are playing the same team.
West Indies skipper, Kieron Pollard, says it is a new start for them, they did not get a lot of time to adapt to this stadium and they need time to get used to the conditions and he hopes he can keep them down to a low total. States they do not want to be critical on their line-up which has been low on runs, they did well in the last game and more often than not they would win games if they put up 200. Mentions their bowlers have certain plans for the batters and they have practiced and hope they can execute it. Informs they have one change, Pooran comes in for Denesh Ramdin.
TOSS - We are all set for the flip of the coin. Murali Kartik is out there in the middle with Virat Kohli and Kieron Pollard along with match referee David Boon. The Indian skipper will go for the flip. Pollard calls heads and it lands in favour of West Indies. WEST INDIES ELECT TO BOWL!
PITCH REPORT - Sunil Gavaskar says it is a brilliant stadium and the crowd here has always been excellent. States the wicket is slightly different than the one in Hyderabad as the cracks seem deep and might just open up even more as the game progresses. Futher says there might just be some turn for the spinners. Murali Kartik says the average score is around 130-140 here. Gavaskar ends by saying India will look to chase first as there could be dew in the game later on.
A clinical run chase by the Indians saw them take a 1-0 lead in the series. Another win here will see them seal the series and their confidence will be sky high at the moment and the hosts will surely back themselves to do so. The Windies, well their last defeat could really be a morale deflating one. However, the whole of 2019, in this format, has been one they would not want to look back. This though is a must-win game for them and they some how need to find a hero for them tonight if they are to keep the series alive. The first game was a run-fest and we can expect the same here. Welcome to the coverage. Stay tuned for the toss and teams.
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