ProMASS News Bureau: Aug 29, 2016: Blame it on rain, India has lost T20 series against West Indies. The second T20 international between India and the West Indies was called off due to wet outfield as rain spoiled India’s chase. Chasing 144 to win and level the series, India were 15 without loss in two overs when rain stopped play. India had bundled out West Indies for 143 in 19.4 overs after electing to bowl. The match has already suffered a 40-minute delayed start due to technical reasons. West Indies won the first T20 match by one run on Saturday and hence claimed the series 1-0.
Earlier, Leg spinner Amit Mishra (3/24) provided the opening breakthrough by dismissing Johnson Charles (43) and R Ashwin then combined with paceman Jasprit Bumrah to tighten the noose around the West Indies with regular strikes. Mishra, who replaced Stuart Binny, gave away only 24 runs and dismissed three batsmen and his bowling made a good impact along with Ashwin (2/11), who conceded very few runs in his three overs.
Bumrah (2/26) was consistent with his line and length while Mohammed Shami also chipped in with two scalps. The Indian pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shami (2/31) initially bowled at a good length but were punished when they strayed as the pitch had nothing to offer for the pacers.
Charles hoicked Bhuvneshwar for a massive six over mid-wicket to begin the fireworks even as Shami removed the last match centurion Evin Lewis (7). An unfazed Charles though flicked Shami for another six with the strength of his wrist and followed it up with consecutive boundaries. Mishra struck with his first ball as he saw the back of Charles, who attempted a maximum but found Ajinkya Rahane at long on.
Mishra put the brakes on the scoring rate, giving away only four runs in that over. With spinners looking like making an impact, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni introduced left-armer Ravindra Jadeja, who bowled five dots and conceded only one run in the next over.
While the first five overs fetched West Indies 50 runs, India conceded only 26 in the next five, bowled by spinners, and also took two wickets. Ashwin foxed a charging Lendl Simmons (19) with a wide ball and had him stumped. Jasprit Bumrah had Marlon Samuels (5) caught behind with his first ball while Ashwin had his second wicket when he trapped Kieron Pollard (13) in the next over. West Indies were now struggling. Bumrah cleaned up Andre Fletcher (3) and Mishra returned to get the better of Dwayne Bravo (3) and the very dangerous Carlos Brathaaite (18). (Courtesy: DD News)
