There is a distinct rhythm to T20 cricket matches at the Holkar Stadium, a venue historically known for its small boundaries, red soil, and an unforgiving penchant for producing run feasts. The third T20I between India and the West Indies was no exception. India eventually managed to defend a daunting total, scraping through with a nerve-wracking 14-run victory to take a 2–1 lead in the 5-match series.
Abhishek’s roar sets the tone for Indian batting
Batting first, India’s innings was a masterclass in modern powerplay aggression, followed by a dramatic middle-order stutter and a frantic tail-end scramble. Abhishek Sharma set the tone early. He played with a fearless swagger that left the West Indies pace attack searching for answers. The young left-hander raced to a half-century off mere 18 deliveries, treating the Powerplay like a personal batting practice.
Abhishek’s fireworks, which eventually culminated in a scintillating 30-ball 69 adorned with six fours and five towering sixes, were complemented brilliantly by Ishan Kishan. He chipped in with a brisk 37 off 18, ensuring the scoreboard ticked over at a dizzying pace. When the duo was in full flight, a total well north of 240 looked almost elementary.
The unpredictable turn as West Indies begin the chase
However, T20 cricket rarely follows a predictable script. After West Indies broke the partnership, India’s innings began to falter. Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie slowed the scoring in the middle overs with clever variations and just enough grip from the pitch. On the other hand, Shamar Springer and Shamar Joseph took two wickets each to dismantle the lower-middle order. India slipped from complete control to being bowled out for 223. Although 223 is usually a winning total, the conditions and the opposition’s reputation left the dressing room aware that they had fallen a few runs short of their potential.
Chasing 224, the West Indies innings mirrored India’s blueprint: explosive intent countered by disciplined bowling interventions. Despite losing early momentum, the visitors refused to roll over. Kamil Pooran played a sparkling hand of 42 from 27 balls, peppered with clean blows, while Shimron Hetmyer anchored the chase with a muscular 43 off 26 deliveries. Every time India seemed to seize control, a flurry of boundaries would swing the pendulum back toward the Caribbean side.
The climax: Arshdeep takes the control, seals match for India
The match swung decisively in the 18th over. Arshdeep Singh, increasingly assured as a death-overs specialist, delivered under peak pressure. He first forced Keemo Paul into a miscue, then two balls later uprooted Sherfane Rutherford’s stumps with a precise, searing yorker. Arshdeep’s impressive 3 for 44 effectively broke the back of the chase.
Shamar Springer still produced a late scare, smashing an unbeaten 35 from just 11 balls. His assault briefly silenced the Indore crowd, but Axar Patel and the rest of India’s attack held firm in the final over, limiting the West Indies to 209 for 7.
For India, it was a performance underlined by character and a successful defence, something they had failed to execute earlier in the series. As both teams pack their bags for the next leg in Hyderabad, the narrative has shifted. India hold the momentum, but the West Indies have proven they are never truly out of a contest.
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