Port of Spain: In a thrilling display of batting prowess, India declared their second innings at 181/2, setting a colossal target of 365 runs for the West Indies to chase in the ongoing second Test. The hosts faced a daunting task as they ended the fourth day’s play at 74/2, with India’s victory in sight.
India’s final session commenced with the duo of Shubman Gill (29*) and Ishan Kishan (52*) at the crease, unbeaten at 118/2. The pair wasted no time in taking on the Windies bowling attack, showcasing a combination of healthy strike rotation and powerful hitting.
Kishan, in particular, displayed an aggressive batting display, reaching his maiden Test half-century in just 33 balls. His fearless stroke play included smashing Kemar Roach for two successive sixes, adding to the mounting pressure on the home team.
The highlight of India’s innings came when they declared at 181/2, with Kishan and Gill continuing their impressive partnership. The visitors held an impressive lead of 364 runs, leaving the Windies with a challenging 365-run target to win the Test match.
In pursuit of the monumental target, the Windies openers, Tagenarine Chanderpaul (24*) and Skipper Kraigg Braithwaite (28), displayed caution early on. However, Ravichandran Ashwin’s spin soon caused a breakthrough, dismissing Braithwaite for 28, and two overs later, trapping Kirk Mckenzie LBW for a duck.
As the day progressed, Jermaine Blackwood (20*) joined forces with Chanderpaul to hold the fort for the hosts, preventing any further loss of wickets during the session.
Earlier in the match, India’s dominance was evident throughout. The second day saw Mohammed Siraj’s remarkable five-wicket haul and the fiery batting displays of openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, helping India take a commanding lead.
West Indies, resuming the fourth day at 229/5, struggled to build partnerships as they lost wickets in quick succession. Siraj’s impressive bowling efforts led to the fall of the Windies’ last four wickets, restricting them to 255 runs in their first innings and leaving them trailing India by 183 runs.
India’s second innings witnessed a blistering start as Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a rapid 50-run partnership in just 5.3 overs, recording the fastest team fifty in Test cricket. Rohit’s aggressive knock of 57 runs came to an end when he fell to Shannon Gabriel’s delivery.
Rain interruptions added to the excitement, but India remained firmly in control with a significant lead and an imposing target for the Windies to chase.
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