In the third T20I between India and West Indies in Guyana on Tuesday, the visitors scored a comprehensive victory, chasing down 160 with 13 balls to spare and ensuring the series stayed alive, with the score at 2-1 going into the fourth match.
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When debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed in the first over of the chase, and Shubman GIll was sent back inside the powerplay, Indian fans could have been forgiven for thinking they would endure another disappointment.
But India's premier T20 batter stepped up to the plate. Suryakumar Yadav led the way for his side with a blistering 83 off 44 balls, forging an 87-run stand for the third wicket with Tilak Varma (49 not out).
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'Glad I could win the match for India' - Suryakumar Yadav
Speaking about his role in the team in a post-match chat, Suryakumar said,
"It was really important to be myself when I went in to bat in the powerplay, that's what the team management also wanted. I have practised these (ramps and scoops) strokes a lot and I love doing that."
"...our captain said someone needs to put their hand up and win the match, glad I was able to do that."
For his breathtaking match-winning knock in the third #WIvIND T20I, Suryakumar Yadav bags the Player of the Match award 🙌 🙌
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 8, 2023
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/3rNZuAiOxH #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/vFQQYFUKOC
What is Suryakumar Yadav's T20I record for India?
During this innings, Suryakumar Yadav became the third Indian to hit 100 sixes in T20 internationals. His overall T20I record is as follows:
| Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | High Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 1780 | 45.6 | 174.3 | 117 |
What next for Team India?
India will be looking to take the confidence gained from this win into the fourth T20I, in order to gain a sereis-levelling win. That match is set to be played on 12 August in Lauderhill.
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