West Indies and India locked eyes in the final of a five‑match T20I saga, ending 2‑2 after Bengaluru’s rain‑cut finale left both teams tied.
West Indies’ two victories – first in Chennai and the second in Mumbai – were sharp, while India’s wins came in Delhi and the rain‑out in Bengaluru. The series saw a clash of styles, with India’s bat‑heavy approach battling the West Indies’ crafty spin, and a handful of wickets that turned the tide in each encounter.
Daren Sammy, the West Indies coach, took to X to applaud his side, saying “we were against the defending champions and we fought like warriors.” He cited the smaller boundaries, batting‑friendly pitches and a wet ball as the factors that kept India’s bowlers in check, turning a potential loss into a hard‑won draw.
India’s record chase against New Zealand set the tone for the series. Abhishek Sharma’s 113 off 38 balls and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 45 from 19 smashed a 133‑run opening partnership in just 7.1 overs, and the 118 in the Powerplay remains the highest by a Full Member nation in men’s T20 cricket. Those figures kept India sitting at the top of the ICC rankings and made the win against the West Indies feel like a statement.
The tie leaves India still firmly atop the ICC T20 rankings, while West Indies’ performance signals that they can challenge the champions on home soil. Sammy’s comments hint that the team is ready for the next test, and the series has already sparked a new belief among the squad.
Next up, West Indies will host Pakistan in a three‑match T20I series, while India gears up for a home clash with Sri Lanka.