Kolkata: A commanding all-round batting performance propelled West Indies to a formidable 195 for 4 against co-hosts and defending champions India in the Super Eights stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
After winning the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to field first, a decision that proved costly as the Caribbean side capitalised on favourable batting conditions.
West Indies made a steady start, with skipper Shai Hope and Roston Chase adding 68 runs for the opening partnership. Hope was dismissed for 32 off 33 balls, including three fours and a six, when he fell to Varun Chakravarthy in the ninth over.
Chase, who top-scored with a brisk 40 off 25 deliveries featuring five fours and a six, then stitched together a quick 34-run stand with Shimron Hetmyer before both were removed by Jasprit Bumrah in the same over. Hetmyer contributed 27 off just 12 balls, striking two sixes and a four.
India clawed back further when Hardik Pandya had Sherfane Rutherford caught behind for 24 in the 15th over, reducing West Indies to 119 for 4.
However, Rovman Powell and experienced all-rounder Jason Holder revived the innings with an unbeaten 76-run partnership for the fifth wicket off just 35 deliveries. Holder remained not out on 37 from 21 balls, hitting three sixes and two fours, while Powell scored an unbeaten 34 off 19 balls, including three fours and two sixes.
For India, Bumrah was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 36 runs in his four overs, while Chakravarthy and Pandya picked up one wicket each.