India vs West Indies 2016, 2nd T20I: Player Ratings
Following an unabated showmanship of batting yesterday, all eyes were on the bowlers to see how they could respond on a pitch which began to show signs of slowing down. With MS Dhoni surprising everyone by going in with six specialist bowlers, considerable improvement was required to keep the target to achievable levels.
However, India did much more than that by operating as a pack and pegged West Indies back with wickets at regular intervals to restrict them to just 143. When they were comfortably placed at 15/0 in their reply, a combination of rain and poor drainage facilities had the final say as the Caribbean side took the series 1-0. In the end, a perplexing decision to delay the game by 40 minutes due to broadcasting issues came back to haunt the spectators.
Let us analyze the contributions from players of both sides during the rain-affected final T20I at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida.
West Indies
Johnson Charles – 7
A dangerous batsman at the top of the order, Charles continued from where he left off with another promising start. However, his fiery 25-ball 43 was cut short when spin was introduced.
Carlos Brathwaite – 5
Despite being the skipper of the side, Brathwaite remained content with batting at number nine. Even though he attempted the repair job with a cameo, the damage was already done.
Lendl Simmons – 5
Arriving a lot earlier than the first game, Simmons tried to patch together useful partnerships in the middle-overs. Having done all the hard work, he was left dumbfounded after hastily revealing his ploy to the smartest contemporary spinner.
Kieron Pollard – 4.5
Amidst wickets falling at the other end, the hard-hitting all-rounder became extremely crucial to West Indies’ fortunes. But, a roller-coaster ride involving two lusty blows and a close LBW shout ended when Pollard was trapped in front.
Dwayne Bravo – 3.5
The hero of the opening match, Bravo labored against the turning ball and finally succumbed without making any impact in the batting department.
Andre Russell – 3.5
A clean striker who could change the complexion of the game at any stage, Russell walked into a crisis and attempted to curb his natural instincts. But, it did not bear fruit when a half-hearted slog ended a painstaking 15-ball 13.
Evin Lewis – 3
After a swashbuckling century in the previous contest, Lewis flattered to deceive, this time around. On being confronted with more intent and pace from India's new-ball bowlers, he mistimed a pull and fell for a single digit score.
Andre Fletcher – 2.5
In a lineup where hitters compete with each other relentlessly, Fletcher’s presence was difficult to explain as much as his career strike-rate of 113.16. Up against a fired up bowling attack, he could only manage a 9-ball 3.
Marlon Samuels – 2.5
One of the most unpredictable cricketers at the moment, Samuels struggled badly on a surface which stopped a little bit. Usually a slow starter, he looked to get his eye in only to throw it all away due to an error in judgment.
Samuel Badree – N/A
Sunil Narine – DNB