India vs Windies, 1st T20I - Who Said What

India were shaky in their approach to a paltry total but eventually got there comfortably to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. Windies were brilliant with the ball but for the third game in a row, their batsmen let the team down and it was only due to their lower-order batters that they were able to compete. For the Men in Blue, Dinesh Karthik and Manish Pandey were decent with the bat even as Krunal Pandya flourished as an all-rounder perfectly in his debut game.

There were no nerves shown by him in his first international game. He bowled tight lines despite going for a six in his very first over and finished with the decent figures of 1/15 in his four overs. When required with the bat, the all-rounder didn’t disappoint and slammed an unbeaten 21 off just nine balls as India cruised past the visitors to take the lead. Karthik brought all his IPL experience of playing at the Eden Gardens to the fore to remain unbeaten on 31 in a close chase.

Even Manish Pandey played a patient hand only to get out with the team needing 26 runs to win. But there were no more hiccups for India as they sealed the chase in the 18th over itself. To everyone’s surprise, India’s top-order failed today and middle-order played a brilliant hand to bail them out of a hole.

Windies batsmen capitulate

Windies were reckless with the bat, to say the least. Indian bowlers were exceptional and especially Kuldeep Yadav who continued to fox the tourists with his variations. Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope once again failed and this time both were dismissed with their own mistakes. Kuldeep and Krunal didn’t let the batters off the hook in the middle-overs as Windies reduced to 63/7 in the 15th over.

It was only due to some late hitting from Fabian Allen and Keemo Paul that they managed to go past the 100-run mark. Eventually, they posted 109 runs for the loss of eight wickets after 20 overs which were never going to be enough despite their bowlers trying hard.

Man of the Match, Kuldeep Yadav said:

Very important to take wickets. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t. But that’s my aim. The first wicket (of Bravo) was the one I cherished. It’s the ball I’m working on (faster one). Just bowl it to contain runs as well.

India captain, Rohit Sharma said:

Exceptional performance with the ball. Was a lot on offer for the seamers. Even with spinners, it wasn’t easy. Overall there was little bit for every department. To start with, we bowled well – good areas. Used the conditions perfectly.

Knew the chase wasn’t going to be easy. Hopefully we can learn from these mistakes. Oshane Thomas is a really exciting talent. If he bowls in good areas, it’s not going to be easy for batsmen to counter it. The advantage of height gives him that extra edge. Wish him the best in the future but not against us.

Very exciting talents again – Krunal and Khaleel. Krunal – I’ve seen him closely in last two-three years for MI. When he came into bowl, Pollard was batting. He was the one who wanted to bowl against him.

These guys are ready to take those challenges. Exciting for the captain when you see that. If they continue to work on their skills, India’s going to benefit for sure.

Windies captain, Carlos Brathwaite said:

Didn’t apply ourselves. Never got into second or third gear. Were either too defensive or too attacking. Can see the way Keemo and Allen finished, if we had wickets in hand we would’ve got 130-140 which would’ve been a winning score. Understand the privilege to represent Windies. Don’t know what the long-term plans will be from the selection panel (about Oshane Thomas). But had a few chats with him. For him, the world is at his feet. Will try to guide him as well as we can.