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And with that win, India storms to a series lead against the Windies, who are yet to win in a game on this tour. However, the T20 format is what the Windies are most comfortable with and will be keen to hit back hard in the next game. The Eden Gardens is the venue for the next two games as well and if this game is any indication of things to come, we are in for a treat over the next few days. But as all good things come to an end, so does our coverage for this T20I. We've had a blast bringing live action but that's all from this game. Until next time, this is Dwijesh Reddy along with my colleague Shashwat Kumar signing off. Good bye and take care!
Rohit Sharma (India captain): It did get a bit tricky in the end. We wanted to be clinical in the end but we didn't do well in the middle overs. But we can take a lot of positives from this game, restricting a strong Windies batting unit to an under-par score is one. We did get some help off the surface but we did well. Bishnoi is a talented player and is exactly why we drafted him in straightaway. He is someone who can bowl anywhere in the match and adds variety to our attack. Very happy with his first performance for India and it is on us to use him well. Someone like Shreyas Iyer is sitting out but that is what the team requires, some depth and balance is something that is crucial. There are a few guys missing also but it is happy to have some competition for the places. We are very clear with Shreyas that the team wants to have an extra bowling option but guys do understand what the team wants. The players are smart enough and keep the team's needs first but once everyone is available, we will have to look at all the factors and make some tough choices. But we want to give out a clear message that team comes first. (On Ishan's knock) I have been talking to Ishan for quite some time, even in our time with Mumbai, there are times he doesn't play fluently but it is important to keep him calm. With Ishan, it is just about giving him time in the middle and relieve some pressure off him.
Ravi Bishnoi is the player of the match for his figures of 2/17!
Ravi Bishnoi: It was a dream to play for India. West Indies is a strong T20I team and to get a chance to play against them is great. I'll try to cut down on the wides and will stick to my strengths which is tight lines and length. Bowling with dew on isn't easy. Although we do practice with a wet ball, I was happy with how I was able to bowl and pick a few wickets.I didn't think of winning this award on debut but this is a dream come true for me.
Kieron Pollard (West Indies captain): It was a good game of cricket. Despite there being dew, our bowlers did well to take the game deep. To be honest, we were poor with the bat in the middle overs. We could have had more runs at the halfway mark but credit to Rohit, who took the initiative to score quickly in the powerplay overs. There are areas where we can improve but an approach can spark a debate in two different ways but our guys are working well. But in hindsight, if we had scored 10-15 more runs in the middle overs but it is a matter of getting it done. I want my bowlers to sweat it out and perform in all conditions. Hopefully, we execute our plans in the next game
Suryakumar Yadav: Looking at the dew, me and Rishabh had a chat and thought of getting the ball to the square boundaries, which helped me. I'm flexible to bat at any position but I wanted to stay not-out and see my side through. It was important for Iyer, who came in at a good time and he did well without playing any fancy shots. Their spinners bowled well even though there was not turn. The ball was stopping a bit but the dew helped us in the end
India beat West Indies by six wickets and seven balls to spare!
India finally come through with the all-important win despite a stern fight from the Windies. It is these kinds of wins that India are expected to eek out and they did that without any fuss in the end. The powerplay phase was perhaps the difference between the two sides. Captain Rohit Sharma took it upon himself to give India a rapid start, even taking Odean Smith to the cleaners. He, along with Ishan Kishan, put on a sparkling fifty-run partnership before Rohit was bated into making a mistake right after the powerplay phase.
West Indies, despite being being down for the count after the first six, were able to hang on thanks to Roston Chase's sensational spell in the middle overs. He got rid of both Ishan and Rohit while clamping the runscoring along with Akeal Hosein. Although Virat and Rishabh Pant's dismissal's kept West Indies' hopes of a win alive, the start that was provided by Rohit was enough to keep India ahead of the required rate.
Although it was a tricky situation to bat in, both Suryakumar Yadav and Venkatesh Iyer dug deep and saw India home without any further damage. This should do India a world of good especially with both Surya and Venky showing their prowess in a tight run-chase. 158 is a tricky target to chase down and it often these chases that create havoc in a dressing room. But despite a slew of wickets falling in the middle overs, the composure shown by Surya, perhaps India's designated finisher, was outstanding.
That isn't it for this game. We've got the presentation coming up. Hang around and find out who the player of the match is after a thrilling encounter at the Eden Gardens!
18.5 Fabian Allen to Venkatesh Iyer, SIX! THAT WILL BE THAT! Right in the slot on middle and leg stump. Iyer opens up his stance and mousses that one over cow corner. The ball just clears the rope but that is still six! India take a 1-0 lead in the series!
18.4 Fabian Allen to Suryakumar Yadav, length delivery on middle and leg stump. Yadav comes forward and flicks the ball towards the sweeper at deep mid wicket for a single
18.3 Fabian Allen to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! SHOT! Full delivery outside off stump and that is fodder for Yadav! He plants his front foot and scythes it past backward point for four
18.2 Fabian Allen to Venkatesh Iyer, full delivery outside off stump. Iyer comes down the track and drills the ball towards the fielder at long on for another easy single
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Eden Gardens, Kolkata
