India moved ahead in the five-match T20I series against the West Indies after defending a total of 223 to win the third match by 14 runs at Holkar Cricket Stadium. The result gave the hosts a 2-1 lead and left the visitors needing to respond in Wednesday’s fourth encounter in Hyderabad.
India’s innings was powered by Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 69 from just 30 deliveries. His rapid scoring helped India race to 87 runs during the opening six overs, despite losing Sanju Samson for three early in the innings.
Sharma and Ishan Kishan put the West Indies bowling attack under considerable pressure before Kishan was stumped for 37 from 18 balls by Roston Chase. Three deliveries later, Chase trapped India captain Shreyas Iyer lbw for one, giving the visitors an opportunity to regain control.
The West Indies then struck again through Shamar Springer, who dismissed Sharma, while Gudakesh Motie accounted for Naman Dhir. India had fallen to 135 for five in the 11th over, but the lower order helped rebuild the innings with a series of valuable contributions.
Tilak Varma scored 28, Nitish Kumar Reddy made 21 and Axar Patel contributed 20. Prince Yadav added an unbeaten 13 from six deliveries to help India finish on 223 in their allotted 20 overs. Chase led the West Indies bowling with two wickets for 38 runs, while Springer and Shamar Joseph also claimed two wickets apiece.
The West Indies began their reply badly when Arshdeep Singh bowled captain Shai Hope with the score at seven. Shimron Hetmyer and Kamil Pooran subsequently added 60 runs for the second wicket, providing a platform for the chase.
Hetmyer scored 43 from 26 deliveries before Naman Dhir bowled him. Axar Patel then removed Rovman Powell for five, leaving the visitors at 82 for three in the 10th over. With the required scoring rate climbing, the West Indies struggled to maintain the pace needed to reach their target.
Sherfane Rutherford made 32 from 25 balls, but Singh dismissed him and later accounted for Keemo Paul. Springer produced a late burst of scoring, finishing unbeaten on 35 from just 11 deliveries. He struck 22 runs in the final over, when the West Indies needed 36 to force a Super Over, but the deficit proved too large.
Singh finished with three wickets for 44 runs and was named Player of the Match, while Dhir claimed two wickets for 39 runs. The West Indies ended on 209 for seven, 14 runs short of victory. India now have the opportunity to secure the series in the fourth match on Wednesday in Hyderabad.