New Delhi: Suryakumar Yadav scored a whirlwind 83 as India defeated West Indies by seven wickets in the third T20I to stay alive in the five-match series on Tuesday.
India was chasing a target of 159 and Yadav got them off to a blistering start, scoring 42 runs off the first four overs. He was particularly severe on Akeal Hosein, hitting him for two sixes and two fours in the first over.
“For his breathtaking match-winning knock in the third WI vs IND T20I, Suryakumar Yadav bags the Player of the Match Award”, tweeted BCCI.
Yadav slowed down a bit after that, but he still managed to score at a healthy rate. He brought up his fifty in 32 balls and then accelerated again in the final overs. He hit three sixes in the last over to help India win with 13 balls to spare.
Yadav’s innings was the highlight of the Indian innings, but Tilak Varma also played a useful knock of 36. The two of them put on a partnership of 99 for the third wicket, which was the foundation of India’s win.
For West Indies, Akeal Hosein was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets for 31 runs. However, the rest of the bowlers were expensive, with Obed McCoy and Romario Shepherd going for more than 40 runs each.
The win keeps India alive in the series, with the fourth T20I to be played on Friday. India will need to win that match to level the series.
Yadav’s innings was a reminder of his class and talent. He is one of the most destructive batsmen in the world in T20 cricket and he is a key player for India. He will be hoping to continue his good form in the remaining two matches of the series.