India managed to hit back in the third T20I on their tour of the West Indies on Tuesday, bringing the score in the series back to 2-1. The win meant that the Men in Blue avoided the ignominy of losing three T20Is in a row for the first time, and kept the five-match series alive.
MORE: Latest betting odds for India vs West Indies
After Kuldeep Yadav's three-wicket haul restricted West Indies to 159, Suryakumar Yadav unleashed his elite T20 batting skills to break the chase in the middle overs. By the time he was dismissed for 83 off 44 balls, India needed just 39 runs to win from the last 44 deliveries.
Thereafter, youngster Tilak Varma saw India home in the company of captain Hardik Pandya, who finished the match with a massive six over long off off the bowling of his opposite number, Rovman Powell.
MORE: 'Not MS Dhoni' - Hardik Pandya trolled after leaving Tilak Varma stranded on 49
'Held back pacers because Pooran didn't come out' - Hardik Pandya
During West Indies' batting, India bowled eight overs of spin in the first half of the innings, and captain Hardik Pandya said that this was a strategy dictated by West Indies' star man Nicholas Pooran.
Speaking after the game, as reported by Cricbuzz, Pandya said,
"Nicky (Pooran) didn't come out to bat and that allowed us to keep our pacers back, also allowed Axar to bowl his four overs. If Nicky wants to hit, let him hit me and that was the plan, I enjoy such competition. I know he is going to hear this and will come hard at me in the fourth T20I."
Further speaking about the game, he said,
"Very important (to win). We spoke as a group that these three games will be exciting. Two losses or two wins does not change the long term plans. We have to show we are ready when it comes to such (must-win) games."
What next for Team India?
Having pulled one back in the series, India will be looking to gain momentum and level the series in the next match. The fourth T20I will be held in Lauderhill, Florida on 12 August.
MORE: Quickest to 50 T20I wickets for India - Kuldeep Yadav beats Yuzvendra Chahal
