West Indies fall short as India takes 2-1 series lead

India defeated West Indies by 14 runs in the third T20I after scoring 223 for seven, a victory led by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 69 off 30 deliveries at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. The visitors finished on 209 for seven, leaving India with a 2-1 lead in the five-match series ahead of their fourth match. The West Indies restricted India to their final total despite a strong start from the hosts, who scored 87 runs in the Powerplay after losing Sanju Samson for three. Sharma and Ishan Kishan dominated the attack, with Sharma reaching his half-century off just 18 balls, inclusive of five fours and four sixes. Roston Chase sparked India’s collapse by dismissing Ishan Kishan for 37 and captain Shreyas Iyer for one. Shamar Springer and Gudakesh Motie then removed Sharma and Naman Dhir, leaving India struggling at 135 for five in the 11th over. Despite regular wickets, contributions from Tilak Varma (28), Nitish Kumar Reddy (21), Axar Patel (20) and Prince Yadav (13 not out) helped India reach a competitive total. Chase led the West Indies bowling attack with two for 38, while Springer and Joseph also claimed two wickets each. In reply, the West Indies got off to a poor start when Arshdeep Singh dismissed captain Shai Hope for seven. Shimron Hetmyer then scored 43 off 26 balls in a 60-run partnership with Kamil Pooran before India struck twice, with Hetmyer and Rovman Powell dismissed to leave the visitors at 82 for three in the 10th over. ndia’s bowlers kept the West Indies under pressure as the required run rate climbed to 15 runs per over. Despite Sherfane Rutherford’s 32 and Shamar Springer’s unbeaten 35 off 11 balls, Singh’s three wickets for 44 helped India secure victory, with Dhir taking two wickets for 39.