Prasidh Krishna’s inspiring spell sees India over the line against West Indies in second ODI
After a torrid outing in South Africa, India has bounced back to win the series.
There were some doubts whether they would win this game or not, but Rohit Sharma and his boys stuck together to procure this victory.
The first inning definitely didn’t go according to the plan for India. Losing the toss, they were forced to bat first by West Indies, who took three wickets on the trot to reduce the hosts to 43 for 3.
India had a major change in the lineup. With KL Rahul returning to the team, Sharma decided to rest Ishan Kishan. Further, he also tried to swap Rahul’s place as an opener with Rishabh Pant. As a result, Rishabh Pant opened the inning with Sharma.
The move backfired big time. After Rohit’s untimely dismissal, Pant couldn’t keep up the ante and soon fell to Odean Smith. He was quickly followed by Virat Kohli, whom Smith dismissed in the same over.
As things stood, India was reduced to 43 for 3 in 12 overs. It felt as if India would have the same fate as West Indies in the first ODI.
However, the Indian middle-order finally showed some backbone. The newcomer KL Rahul and Surya Kumar Yadav threaded a 90+ run stand for the fourth wicket.
Rahul looked to be in formidable touch until a mishap caused resulted in his runout. Yadav scored his second fifty, tried to weave another partnership with Sundar, and failed. They were removed within four overs as West Indies tightened their grip over the game.
Deepak Hooda, who was playing just his second ODI, couldn’t do much. Batting with the tail, he looked helpless. And in an attempt to score quickly, he too, lost his wicket.
At the end of the inning, India could only score 237 runs from their 50 overs.
Great bowling performance by India
There was no resistance offered from the score on the board for the Windies, but the Indian bowlers were phenomenal. They picked up quick wickets right from the get-go.
It was Prasidh Krishna who was the leader of the attack. He removed Brandon King and DM Bravo in consecutive overs to bring India into the game. With some help from Chahal and Thakur, Krishna helped India tighten their grip in the match.
They had West Indies down to 5 wickets for just 76 runs in the 27th overs. It felt like India would run away with the victory, but Shamarah Brooks had other ideas.
He threaded a great partnership with Fabian Allen to bring his side back in the game. After his dismissal, Allen continued the run-scoring process alongside Akeal Hossein.
Together the batters made 42 runs for the 7th wicket. But their dismissal sealed the game in India’s favor. Although, Odean Smith managed to score 24 in just 20 deliveries. It was not enough for his team.
India completed a comprehensive 44 run victory over West Indies to seal the series. Prasidh Krishna was undoubtedly the star with the ball. He picked up four wickets in his nine overs and only conceded 12 runs.
It was another letdown by Indian batters, but the bowlers saved the day on several other occasions.
Rohit Sharma has now won both the series as the full-time captain of the Indian Cricket team.
