India edged West Indies by 14 runs in the third T20I, after Abhishek Sharma smashed 69 off 30 balls in a blazing 30‑ball innings. He racked up six fours and five sixes, becoming the fastest cricketer to hit 2,000 runs in T20Is by balls faced.
The opener’s firework was backed by a 108‑run partnership with Ishan Kishan, who added 37. Together they steered India to a 223‑run total, setting a target that seemed out of reach.
West Indies’ strategy, dubbed “Plan B”, was to clamp down on Sharma and force him into singles and twos. All‑rounder Shamar Springer later admitted the visitors had to go defensive, as the wickets were too good for a high‑risk batting approach.
Springer’s own 35 off 11 balls, which included four sixes, came too late; the West Indies crumbled, falling 14 runs short. Abhishek said he’d “played better than their plan”, turning the tactical gambit into a personal triumph.
India’s victory keeps the series alive, leaving the final two T20Is to decide the winner. The next match will be the fourth T20I, played at the same venue on Saturday.