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Suryakumar Yadav’s fifty helped India beat West Indies by 7 wickets in the third Twenty20 of the five-match series on Tuesday at Warner Park in St Kitts. India skipper Rohit Sharma departed unwell in the second over of the chase with a back spasm. While Rohit was forced to retire early, Yadav struck a blistering 76 from 44 deliveries, including eight fours and four sixes, to help the visiting side reclaim the lead.
Yadav, who announced his intentions from the first ball, controlled the run chase with his 360-degree stroke-play. He and Shreyas Iyer combined for 86 runs, pushing his team’s total above the 100-run milestone.
Yadav hit his fifty from 26 balls in the ninth over against Akeal Hosein, with a six-over deep square leg. However, there was more to come. The Indian was challenged by an Alzarri Joseph bouncer in the following over, but he easily ramped it over the wicketkeeper for a four. “Sheer brilliance from Suryakumar Yadav… demonstrating his suppleness, hand-eye coordination, and technique,” the analyst remarked.
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Ridiculous from Suryakumar Yadav, watch it in @FanCode. #Ad #IndvWI pic.twitter.com/n3v1RUHYFK
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 2, 2022
Yadav was out in the 15th over, but India was on track for an easy victory, with the goal of 30 runs from 33 balls and eight wickets in hand. Rishabh Pant completed the innings with an unbeaten 33 off 26 balls as India cruised in with 165-3 and six balls to spare.
“It was vital for someone to bat through to the 17th over when Rohit walked inside, but I was still able to be myself and express myself,” added Yadav, who was named Player of the Match.
“I enjoyed it since I had done it in the IPL (Indian Premier League). I simply backed myself up and enjoyed myself.”
Earlier, India bowlers Hardik Pandya (1-19) and Ravichandran Ashwin (0-26), as well as Bhuvneshwar Kumar with a slower ball, slowed down the home side. Mayers hit 73 off 50 balls to lead his team to a competitive 164-5 in the 20-over match.
Skipper Rohit also gave an update on his injuries, stating it was not as bad as it originally appeared and that he hopes to be healthy for the next two games. “It’s fine for the time being. We have a few days till the next game, so hopefully, everything will be well.”