Barbados: In a nail-biting encounter at Kensington Oval on Sunday, the West Indies secured a sensational 6-wicket victory against India in the second ODI of the three-match series. The West Indies captain, Shai Hope, played a match-winning knock of 63 off 80 balls, leading his team to successfully chase down a modest target of 182 runs.
With this crucial win, the West Indies managed to level the series at 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting decider in the final ODI.
Chasing a relatively low total, the West Indies openers, Brandon King and Kyle Mayers, provided a solid foundation with a 50-run partnership in just 8.1 overs. However, Indian pacer Shardul Thakur had other plans as he turned the game around with an exceptional ninth over, picking up two key wickets.
Thakur’s deliveries were lethal, as he first dismissed Kyle Mayers for 36 with a well-directed back-of-the-length ball. He continued his impressive over, this time getting rid of Brandon King for 15 with an unplayable full-length delivery. Thakur’s twin strikes put India back in contention, injecting new life into the match.
Alick Athanaze, too, couldn’t withstand the pressure, falling prey to Thakur’s variations after scoring just six runs. India’s comeback was further boosted when Kuldeep Yadav, the Player of the Match in the previous game, claimed the wicket of Shimron Hetmyer for nine with his deceptive googly.
Despite these breakthroughs, the West Indies captain, Shai Hope, showed tremendous resilience at the crease and was ably supported by Keacy Carty. The duo formed a crucial partnership, denying India any further wickets. Hope reached his fifty in 70 balls during the 33rd over, demonstrating his prowess as a leader and a finisher.
India tried various bowling options, but none could break the determined partnership between Hope and Carty. The West Indies crossed the 100-run mark in the 22nd over and continued to build steadily. Eventually, Hope guided his team to a convincing victory with an unbeaten 63, while Carty contributed a valuable 48 off 65 balls.
Earlier in the match, India’s innings was anchored by the young Ishan Kishan, who emerged as the sole half-centurion, scoring 55 runs in a brisk 51-ball inning. However, West Indian bowlers Gudakesh Motie and Romario Shepherd proved to be formidable forces, both claiming three wickets each to restrict India to a modest total of 181 in 40.5 overs.
The third and deciding ODI promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to clinch the series. As the action shifts to the final match, the tension and excitement are set to reach new heights, making it a must-watch for cricket fans worldwide.
Scorecard: India 181/10 in 40.5 overs (Ishan Kishan 55, Shubman Gill 34, Gudakesh Motie 3/36, Romario Shepherd 3/37).
West Indies 182/4 in 35.5 overs (Shai Hope 63, Keacy Carty 48*, Shardul Thakur 3/42)
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