Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma excel, revitalizing India’s prospects with a resounding seven-wicket victory to stay in the series.

During the pursuit of the target, the newcomer Yashavi Jaiswal 1 (2) and Shubman Gill 6 (11) were dismissed cheaply, paving the way for Suryakumar to deliver an impressive performance of 83 runs from 44 balls. His contribution played a pivotal role in propelling India to achieve the target within 17.5 overs.

Supporting his experienced Mumbai Indians teammate, Tilak Varma (49 not out off 37 balls) played a crucial role in their partnership of 87 runs. While aiming for his second consecutive fifty in his inaugural series, Tilak saw his effort fall just short as Captain Hardik Pandya (20* off 15) sealed the victory with a six. As the West Indies takes a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, the next encounter is set for Saturday in Lauderhill, Florida.

Suryakumar, who has yet to experience a quiet journey so far, immediately signaled his intent by opening with a boundary off the first ball he faced. Trying to contain Suryakumar when he’s masterfully finding gaps seems nearly impossible, a challenge the West Indies bowlers had to grapple with. His innings comprised an impressive array of 10 fours and four sixes, with a standout moment being his impeccable straight hit that sailed over the head of pacer Obed McCoy.

Following Suryakumar’s departure in the 13th over, the responsibility shifted to Hardik and Tilak. Tilak, commencing his innings with consecutive fours, convincingly showcased his determination to establish a lasting presence.

In the earlier stages, Kuldeep Yadav managed to dismiss the menacing Nicholas Pooran (20 off 12) as well as the well-established Brandon King (42 off 42) in the 15th over, effectively wresting back the momentum from the West Indies.

A minor delay ensued before the game commenced due to an unusual circumstance where the 30-yard circle had not been clearly marked.

Opting to bat, the West Indies initiated the series with their most robust start, with Brandon King and Kyle Mayers (25 off 20) orchestrating a 55-run partnership.

As anticipated, the pitch’s sluggish nature prompted Hardik Pandya to introduce spin as early as the third over, with Axar Patel taking the ball. This move, however, resulted in a couple of boundaries being conceded.

Interestingly, Yuzvendra Chahal, who usually doesn’t bowl in the powerplay, was assigned the task. Nevertheless, Mayers immediately placed Chahal under duress by sweeping him for a six.

The third spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, took over the bowling duties after the powerplay and was greeted by Mayers with a boundary off his first delivery. In a display of audacity, King advanced down the track three balls later, dispatching Kuldeep’s googly for a six down the ground.

Following the dismissals of Mayers and Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran partnered with King, endeavoring to assert his dominance over the Indian bowlers.

He confidently advanced down the track and elegantly struck Kuldeep Yadav over the long-on boundary, immediately followed by a well-timed boundary on the very next delivery.

However, Kuldeep had the last word in this exchange. He outwitted a charging Nicholas Pooran, delivering a stumping that sent the batsman back to the pavilion. In a remarkable display of skill, Kuldeep secured a sensational return catch just four balls later, dismissing Brandon King. This left the West Indies struggling at 106 for four after 14.5 overs.

In the subsequent phase, Skipper Powell came to the forefront, launching three impressive sixes in the final two overs to bolster the total.

During the 19th over, bowled by Arshdeep Singh, the home team managed to amass 17 crucial runs, providing a significant momentum boost. Capitalizing on this push, the hosts accumulated a noteworthy 53 runs in the last 30 balls of their innings.