Suryakumar Yadav’s Spectacular Comeback Powers India to T20I Victory Against West Indies
Suryakumar Yadav’s blazing knock of 83 propelled India to a resounding seven-wicket victory over West Indies in the third T20, reinvigorating their prospects in the five-match series.
In a comeback performance, Suryakumar Yadav showcased his aggressive prowess as India clinched a crucial seven-wicket win against West Indies in the third T20I. The West Indies skipper, Rovman Powell, contributed a whirlwind 40 not out off 19 balls, guiding his team to a total of 159 for five after Kuldeep Yadav’s disciplined spell of 3/28 in the middle overs. Despite the early dismissals of debutant Yashavi Jaiswal (1) and Shubman Gill (6), Suryakumar Yadav emerged as the game-changer, smashing a remarkable 83 off 44 balls to steer India to victory within 17.5 overs. Tilak Varma (49 not out off 37) partnered effectively with his Mumbai Indians senior teammate in an 87-run stand. Captain Hardik Pandya’s vital contribution of 20 not out off 15 deliveries sealed the win with a decisive six.
With West Indies leading the five-match series 2-1, the next game is slated to be held in Lauderhill, Florida, on Saturday.
Suryakumar Yadav wasted no time, dispatching his first ball for a boundary, setting the tone for an unstoppable innings. His batting prowess was evident, amassing 10 fours and four sixes, including an exquisite straight hit over pacer Obed McCoy’s head.
Upon Suryakumar’s departure in the 13th over, skipper Hardik and Tilak steadied the ship. Tilak continued to impress, following his earlier performances, while Hardik’s composed presence ensured the successful chase.
Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav’s crucial dismissals of Nicholas Pooran (20 off 12) and Brandon King (42 off 42) in the 15th over disrupted West Indies’ momentum, shifting the balance of the game in India’s favor.
The match experienced a slight delay due to the absence of the marked 30-yard circle at the start, an unusual occurrence in cricket.
Opting to bat first, West Indies exhibited their most promising opening of the series, with King and Kyle Mayers (25 off 20) establishing a strong 55-run partnership.
The slower nature of the pitch prompted India’s captain Hardik to introduce spin early on, with Axar Patel taking the ball in the third over. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, an unconventional choice for the powerplay, was assigned the task in an attempt to contain the West Indies batsmen.
Mayers capitalized on the situation, dispatching Chahal for a six with a well-timed sweep. Kuldeep Yadav, introduced post the powerplay, initially faced resistance from Mayers and King, who confidently tackled his deliveries.
Kuldeep’s breakthroughs, however, proved pivotal as he dismissed Mayers and King in quick succession. Nicholas Pooran then joined King, unleashing his aggressive intent with calculated strikes.
Pooran’s aggressive stance was short-lived, as Kuldeep’s skillful bowling led to his stumping. With Mayers and King dismissed, skipper Powell attempted to anchor the innings by delivering three sixes in the final two overs.
Arshdeep Singh’s 19th over became costly, conceding 17 runs, aiding the West Indies’ late push. The hosts capitalized on the final 30 balls, accumulating 53 runs and setting a competitive target.
