Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan produced a blistering second-wicket stand to propel India to 223 all out in 20 overs against West Indies in the third T20I at Holkar Cricket Stadium on Sunday. West Indies, who won the toss and elected to field, will chase 224 when they begin their innings.
The series is level at 1-1 after India’s eight-wicket win in Lucknow and West Indies’ record chase of 250 in Ranchi. Holkar Stadium has a reputation as a high-scoring venue, and the early exchanges lived up to billing.
Sanju Samson fell cheaply for 3, caught off Shamar Joseph in the second over. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan then took control. Abhishek smashed 69 off just 30 balls (six fours, five sixes) at a strike rate of 230, while Kishan contributed a rapid 37 off 18 (six fours, one six). Their partnership yielded over 100 runs and gave India a strong platform, with the side racing past 100 inside eight overs.
Roston Chase provided the breakthroughs for West Indies, stumping Kishan and trapping captain Shreyas Iyer lbw for 1. Abhishek fell soon after for 69, caught and bowled by Shamar Springer. Tilak Varma made a useful 28 off 16, Nitish Kumar Reddy scored 21, and Axar Patel added 20, but regular wickets prevented India from posting an even bigger total. Prince Yadav remained not out on 13 as India were bowled out on the final ball.
Chase finished with 2/38, while Springer and Joseph claimed two wickets each. West Indies will need a strong batting performance to overhaul the target on a ground that has favoured batters.
Now, India’s bowling unit prepares to take the field. The match continues under lights in Indore.
