After Kuldeep Yadav (3/28) halted the flow of runs during the middle overs, West Indies skipper Rovman Powell played a stunning innings of 40 not out off 19 balls, taking the hosts to a competitive total of 159 for five.
In the run chase, debutant Yashavi Jaiswal (1) and Shubman Gill (6) were dismissed cheaply, but Suryakumar’s remarkable knock of 83 off 44 balls helped India reach the target in 17.5 overs. Tilak Varma (49 not out off 37 balls) provided crucial support to Suryakumar, with the two sharing an 87-run partnership. Hardik Pandya (20* off 15) hit the winning six.
After Suryakumar’s dismissal in the 13th over, Hardik and Tilak ensured India achieved the target. Tilak, who began his innings with consecutive fours, showed his composure and determination.
The game experienced a slight delay due to the absence of a demarcated 30-yard circle, which is a rare occurrence.
As expected, the pitch was slow, prompting Hardik to introduce spin as early as the third over through Axar Patel. Yuzvendra Chahal, who doesn’t usually bowl in the powerplay, was given that responsibility. However, Mayers put Chahal under pressure with a six off his bowling.
Kuldeep, the third spinner, came in to bowl after the powerplay and was hit for a four on his first delivery by Mayers. King then confidently stepped out and hit a six off Kuldeep’s googly.
After the dismissals of Mayers and Johnson Charles, Pooran joined King and looked to dominate the Indian bowlers.
Pooran hit Kuldeep for a six and a boundary before being stumped by him. Kuldeep then took a brilliant return catch to dismiss King, leaving the West Indies at 106 for four in 14.5 overs.
Arshdeep Singh’s 19th over conceded 17 runs, giving the home team a much-needed boost. The West Indies scored 53 runs in their last 30 balls. (With inputs from PTI)