West Indies v India, 2nd T20I: 5 Talking Points

The India-West Indies bilateral series came to an ineffectual end after rains forced the match to end abruptly without any result. The sequel to the first high scoring T20I was expected to unfold in the same manner. Indian bowlers, who were treated like rookies last night, had different plans. The West Indies batsmen imploded badly and were bundled out for just 143 runs in the first innings. Except for Johnson Charles, no batsmen could get going. The India had a modest target to chase and the opener began calmly. But, rains soon began to pour and eventually forced the game to be called off, giving away the series to West Indies.

1.Technical snags and rain delay:

The 2nd T20I between India and West Indies faced an unforeseen technical glitch which delayed the start of the game by close to 40 minutes. The incident happened just after MS Dhoni won the toss and chose to ball first. Live telecast was cut off unexpectedly just when Dhoni was talking on the mic. Later it was revealed that the interruption was caused due to a satellite issue.

Also read: West Indies v India 2nd T20I faces delay due to a technical snag

2. Rain – The ultimate villain:

The Rain delay was another talking point. The weather forecast wasn’t bright a hurricane alert was issued before the start. Rain gods showed mercy as the first innings ended smoothly. But, Indian’s were unlucky in the second innings. Rains began to fall and the game had to be stopped after just 2 overs play. The umpire waited and waited, did two inspections but the outfield was not fit enough to resume the play. Thereby, forcing the umpires to call off the match.

3. West Indies batting order implodes:

“We haven’t recovered from yesterday’s maniacal show yet,” tweeted a cricket fan on twitter. The West Indies team was in a hyper-aggressive mood and left the Indian bowlers completely ineffective. The sequel to the first T20I promised the same amount of entertainment which was served to the fans in the first game. However, scenes at the stadium were completely contrasting much to the disappointment of the fans. After posting a massive 246 last night, The Windies team looked complete illusioned today and were bowled out for just 143 in 19.4 overs. Only Johnson Charles (43) could make any valid contribution while rest other bombed completely.

4. Amit Mishra leads the way:

The Indian bowling attack stuck and executed to their plans brilliantly. The biggest takeaway for India as far as the bowling was concerned was Amit Mishra. The leg-spinner, who as brought in as a replacement for Stuart Binny, returned with numbers of 3/24 in his four overs spell and was the biggest villain for the opposition. All three of his wickets  – Johnson Charles, Dwayne Bravo, and Carlos Brathwaite – were highly important. His first wicket came off the first ball of the spell when Charles was caught by Rahane at long-on. The other two came when the death overs were approaching. Bravo was deceived by a googly in the 16th over while Brathwaite was cleaned up in his following over.

5. US fans return home dejected:

The US fans were left completely dejected by the end result of the series. Yesterday’s loss didn’t hurt the fans much. They were treated with a typical batting spectacle. Despite India falling short of the target by one run, there was a sense of satisfaction the minds of the people leaving the stadium. The second game was also well-received and fans thronged the stadium.Weather is something which no one can control and there a hurricane alert issued just before the start. But, rains appeared in the second innings much to the disappointment of the fans. There was no result and most importantly, they missed out on watching the Indian team bat.

Also read: West Indies v India T20I Series – Combined XI