West Indies 247/3 outshone India 223 in Hyderabad, a 24‑run win that tied the series 2‑2.
The West Indies piled up 247 in 20 overs, a blistering run rate that kept India’s bowlers chasing a moving target. India’s four specialist bowlers—Shah, Ruturaj, Jasprit, and Yashaswi—could not stem the tide, while the two all‑rounders failed to deliver the needed breakthroughs.
Kaif slammed the selection, saying, “Having batting till No.8 is not bravery. Bravery is playing your proper bowlers on a good batting wicket.” He argued that a lineup of seven batters and five main bowlers, including an all‑rounder like Axar, would have offered better balance.
He also pointed out that leaving Kuldeep Yadav out was a mistake, adding that the left‑arm wrist‑spinner could have turned the flat Hyderabad pitch in India’s favour. “Rashid Khan made a name for himself on this track only. The top four in the ICC rankings are all leg‑spinners. On a flat track, Kuldeep would have been even more useful,” Kaif said.
With the series now level, India faces a final test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. The outcome will decide who takes home the trophy.