Nicholas Pooran did not let go of the opportunity to take a dig at the Indian team after West Indies emerged triumphant in the fifth T20I to clinch the series 3-2.
Batting first, India lost Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal inside three overs but Suryakumar Yadav’s excellent 61 made sure the Men in Blue put up a competitive score of 165 on a slowish surface. Romario Shepherd was the star with the ball for West Indies, picking up 4/31.
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In reply, West Indies completed the chase in 18 overs to win by eight wickets, led by Brandon King (85 not out) and Nicholas Pooran (47). Their 107-run stand for the second wicket ensured that the game slowly crept out of India’s hands before Shai Hope landed the finishing blow.
Pooran could not attend the post-match presentation but put up an Instagram reel along with his teammate Akeal Hosein.
While Pooran did the 'zipping up the mouth' gesture, Hosein blew a flying kiss before ending the video.
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Pooran was exceptional with the bat as he scored 176 runs in the T20I series to emerge as the highest run-scorer. He was also awarded the player of the series award.
Earlier, India skipper Hardik Pandya challenged Pooran to hit him after the Caribbean cricketer was dismissed for 20 in the third T20.
"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," Hardik stated.
Maybe, the gesture was directed towards the Indian skipper for his comments earlier in the series!
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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.
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