Nicholas Pooran's exceptional batting performance led West Indies to a convincing eight-wicket victory over India in the 5th T20I, securing a series win of 3-2.
His exceptional performances throughout the series earned him the Player of the Series title, as West Indies successfully chased down 166 runs to secure their first bilateral series win against India after 17 years (where at least two matches were played).
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Earlier, Hardik Pandya had challenged Pooran after the third T20I, suggesting that if Pooran wanted to hit big shots, he should hit them against him.
What did Hardik Pandy say to Nicolas Pooran?
"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," he had said.
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How did Nicolas Pooran get his revenge over Hardik Pandya in the 5th T20I?
Pooran took up the challenge and smacked back-to-back sixes against Pandya in the 5th T20I to give a befitting reply to the Indian skipper.
He further dragged on the duel on social media and also shared a screenshot of this retaliation on his Instagram story, to brag about his triumph.
Instagram story of Nicholas Pooran 😭 pic.twitter.com/FcDW77bh3S
— 𝙇𝙀𝙊 𝙍𝘿𝙆 (@ChampVirat_18) August 14, 2023
Pooran could not attend the post-match presentation but put up an Instagram reel along with his teammate Akeal Hosein to add salt to the wound after India were edged out.
He did the 'zipping up the mouth' gesture while Hosein blew a flying kiss before ending the video.
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What next for Team India?
India will travel to Ireland for a T20I series next, which Hardik will not be a part of. Jasprit Bumrah is set to captain the side. The Asia Cup from 2 September is the next big goal on the horizon for Team India.
MORE: Who will be India's coach in Ireland?
