Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian cricket team secured a commanding series victory against West Indies with an impressive 200-run margin, thanks to Mukesh Kumar and Shardul Thakur’s fiery bowling display. The Indian team was invited to bat first after Shai Hope won the toss. Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill provided a strong foundation, stitching together a remarkable 143-run opening partnership before Ishan departed for a well-played 77 off 64 balls. He made the most of a dropped catch early in his innings and continued his excellent form, scoring his third consecutive fifty in the series.
However, Ruturaj Gaikwad failed to make an impact with the bat, managing only 8 runs off 14 balls. In contrast, Sanju Samson and skipper Hardik Pandya displayed aggressive intent, both notching up half-centuries to help India post a formidable total.
Chasing 351, West Indies faced an uphill battle from the start due to Mukesh Kumar’s devastating spell with the new ball, where he removed three key batters in the first powerplay. Brandon King (0 off 5), Kyle Mayers (4 off 10), and Shai Hope (5 off 9) were dismissed early, leaving the home side reeling. Despite some efforts from the lower-order batsmen, West Indies fell well short of the target, reaching only 150 runs before getting bundled out.
Shubman Gill’s excellent performance with the bat earned him the player of the match award, while Ishan Kishan’s consistent display throughout the series, scoring fifties in all three games, earned him the player of the series accolade. Overall, it was a dominant performance by the Indian side, showcasing their batting prowess and effective bowling to clinch the series convincingly.