By Neto Baptiste
India avoided a T20 International series loss to West Indies with a seven-wicket win in the third of their five-match series in Providence, Guyana on Tuesday.
Led by Suryakumar Yadav’s 83 off 44 deliveries, India easily overhauled the 159 posted by West Indies, reaching 164 for three with 13 balls to spare. Yadav struck 10 fours and four sixes to lead India’s chase before he caught by Brandon King off the bowling of Alzarri Joseph who had two for 25.
However, India were well on their way at 121 for three and with 49 not out from Tilak Varma and 20 not out from captain, Hardik Pandya, the visitors kept the series alive after losing the first two matches by two wickets and four runs respectively.
Obed McCoy (1/32), picked up the other wicket for the hosts.
West Indies, winning the toss and opting to bat, scored 159 for five in their 20 overs. King top-scored at the top of the order with a run-a-ball 42. He struck five fours and one six. Captain Rovman Powell added 40 not out from 19 balls. He had one four and three sixes while Kyle Mayers and Nicholas Pooran contributed with 25 and 20 respectively.
Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers for India with three wickets for 28 runs in his four overs.
The fourth T20I will be played in Lauderhill, Florida on August 12.
