Team India’s decision to rest their two senior players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma backfired on them in the second ODI against West Indies in Barbados. As they suffered an embarrassing defeat to the West Indies by 6 wickets in the second ODI and WI made a remarkable comeback to keep themselves alive in the series. Currently, the series is leveled at 1-1 but they are ready to face the Indian Team with much-needed confidence for the third ODI which is scheduled on August 1 in Tarouba.
Earlier in the match, The West Indies skipper, Shai Hope, won the toss and chose to put India in to bat first. Despite facing two rain delays during their innings, the West Indies bowlers maintained their focus and determination. India got off to a good start with a 90-run opening partnership between Ishan Kishan, who scored 55 off 55 balls, and Shubman Gill, who contributed 34 runs off 49 balls. However, the West Indies bowlers, Shepherd (3/37 in 8 overs) and Motie (3/36 in 9.3 overs) made a strong comeback, causing India to lose five wickets for just 23 runs in a span of 7.2 overs.
In spite of chasing the target, the West Indies team showed their intent while batting and comfortably chased down the target of 182 runs to win the game. Shai Hope and Keacy Carty played exceptionally well, with Hope scoring an unbeaten 63 runs off 80 balls and Carty contributing 48 not out off 65 balls. They formed a strong partnership of 91 runs for the fourth wicket, achieving the target with 80 balls still remaining. On the other hand, India’s batting struggled in the absence of their captain, Rohit Sharma, and star player, Virat Kohli.
The stand-in captain for India, Hardik Pandya, along with Sanju Samson and Axar Patel, all fell for single-digit scores, which weakened India’s batting performance. Looking ahead, the series decider, India vs. West Indies 3rd ODI, is scheduled to take place in Tarouba on Tuesday. Team India is expected to perform better in the next match, as both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to return to the playing XI for the crucial game, as mentioned by Hardik Pandya after the match.
Hardik Pandya Speaks On Team India’s Loss:
“We didn’t bat the way we were supposed to. The wicket was better than it was in the first game. Everyone barring Shubman hit fielders and got out. Disappointing but many things to learn. The way our openers batted, especially Ishan, struck it well and is good for India.
Shardul got us back in with his bowling. Hope and Carty batted well and got them through. The body’s fine. I have to bowl more overs and get my workload up for the World Cup. I’m a turtle right now not the rabbit and hoping everything goes right as the World Cup comes on.
To be honest, you want to be going 1-1 to the third game as it’ll be more challenging and exciting.” Hardik Pandya said during the post-match presentation.
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