Picture Credit: Twitter
On Wednesday, Team India sealed the three-match ODI series against West Indies by registering a thumping victory in the 2nd ODI at Narendra Modi stadium. While the Indians posted a fighting total of 237 runs in 50 overs, West Indies fell short of 44-runs. Although Indian batters struggled initially, Suryakumar Yadav (64 off 83 balls) and vice-captain KL Rahul (49 off 48 balls) emerged as standout performers for the team in 1st innings.
Batting first, Indian opener Rohit Sharma (5 off 8) and Rishabh Pant (18 off 34) failed to provide a solid foundation to the team. Rohit Sharma was caught by Shai Hope on the bowling off Kemar Roach, first reducing the team's total to 9-1. The wicket-keeper batsman, Rishabh Pant, alongside former skipper Virat Kohli, built a decent partnership. Still, West Indies' pacer Odean Smith put India on backfoot by dismissing the batters in quick sessions. Pant was dismissed on the 1st ball of the 11th over, while Kohli too, returned after four balls. Both the batterd could score 18-runs before they departed, leaving the team's total at 43-3. Later, the middle-order stood tall and was rescued from the batting collapse as vice-captain KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav played decisive innings in the match and built much needed 90-run partnership.
While chasing 237 runs, West Indies followed India's trend, and their openers were dismissed in quick session. Young prodigy Prasidh Krishna provided a much-needed breakthrough to team India by dismissing Brandon King (18 off 20 balls). Shamarh Brooks (44 off 64 balls) and Akeal Hosein (34 off 52 balls) played well but soon both the batters were dismissed. However, towards the end, Odean Smith played a few cracking shots and raised the hope of the visitors, but soon, Kohli's incredible catch put the match in India's favour. While Smith went for the swipe across the line, his top edge went miles and came down straight in Kohli's hand, who was waiting to get hold of the ball. The former skipper did fall back, and his head bumped a little on the ground, but he managed to hold on.
Watch the catch here:
When Smith returned, West Indies were reduced to 193-9; Prasidh Krishna dismissed Kemar Roach soon after and helped India win the game. Prasidh Krishna was rewarded with Player of the Match for taking four crucial wickets in the game. Now, both the teams will face each other once again in the 3rd ODI on 11th February on the same ground. Rohit Sharma-led side has already sealed the ODI series, and after 3rd ODI both the teams will battle in the shortest format of the game. The 3-match T20I series is slated to start from 16 February at Eden Garden in Kolkata.