Indore, Oct 12:
Abhishek Sharma’s explosive half-century and Arshdeep Singh’s three-wicket haul powered India to a 14-run victory over the West Indies in the third T20 International at the Holkar Stadium on Sunday, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Asked to bat first, India posted 223 before being bowled out in 20 overs. Abhishek smashed 69 off just 30 balls, including six fours and five sixes, while Ishan Kishan contributed 37 off 18 deliveries. The duo added 108 runs for the second wicket off just 40 balls, putting India in a commanding position after Sanju Samson departed for three.
India raced to 115 for one in just over eight overs before West Indies fought back through Roston Chase, who dismissed Kishan and captain Shreyas Iyer in the same over. Abhishek fell shortly afterwards, triggering a middle-order collapse as India lost five wickets in quick succession. Tilak Varma made 28 off 16 balls, while Nitish Kumar Reddy scored 21 to help India cross the 220-run mark.
Chasing 224, West Indies finished at 209 for seven despite spirited contributions from Shimron Hetmyer, who scored 43 off 26 balls, and Kamil Pooran, who made 42 off 27 deliveries. Arshdeep struck early to remove captain Shai Hope for five and returned at crucial stages to dismiss key batters, finishing with figures of three for 44. Naman Dhir claimed two wickets, while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel took one each. The Indian bowlers maintained pressure during the closing overs to deny the visitors a late surge. Arshdeep was named Player of the Match. The fourth T20I will be played in Hyderabad on Wednesday, with India seeking to extend their advantage and seal the series.