Arshdeep Singh claims three wickets as India defend 223 in Indore, leaving West Indies needing a win in the fourth match to keep the series alive.
INDORE: India defeated West Indies by 14 runs in the third T20 International at Holkar Stadium on Sunday, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
India posted 223 runs after a blistering start with the bat before their bowlers produced a disciplined performance to restrict West Indies’ chase. Arshdeep Singh led the bowling effort with three wickets for 44 runs in his four overs, earning the Player of the Match award.
India looked set for an even bigger total after an explosive opening phase. Abhishek Sharma helped the hosts race to 87 runs in the Powerplay, taking the score to 109 for one after eight overs.
However, West Indies fought back through Roston Chase, who played a key role in slowing India’s progress during the middle overs. The visitors continued to take wickets, preventing the hosts from fully capitalising on their strong start.
India nevertheless crossed the 220-run mark, with valuable contributions from the lower order, including a crucial late cameo from Prince Yadav.
Arshdeep leads India’s bowling response
West Indies began their pursuit of the 224-run target with hopes of repeating their successful chase in Ranchi. However, India’s bowlers made better use of the conditions, with the absence of dew helping them execute their plans.
West Indies captain Shai Hope was dismissed cheaply, while Shimron Hetmyer failed to turn his promising start into a substantial innings. The visitors struggled to build meaningful partnerships and fell behind the required run rate.
Arshdeep said he was pleased to get the ball to reverse towards the end of the innings. He also highlighted the team’s supportive environment, saying players backed one another through good and difficult periods.
The fast bowler added that adapting quickly to conditions was particularly important during a packed international schedule.
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy said India focused on executing their plans rather than chasing wickets at all costs. He explained that restricting the opposition’s scoring opportunities could be just as effective as taking wickets, particularly during high-pressure overs.
Iyer praises India’s intent
India captain Shreyas Iyer praised the confidence and clarity shown by his bowlers, saying they were prepared to embrace the challenge of defending a high total.
He also praised Abhishek Sharma’s explosive start, Ishan Kishan’s recent batting form and Prince Yadav’s contribution in the closing stages of the innings.
Iyer said India had worked to avoid complacency against a West Indies side capable of producing powerful batting performances. With both venues offering favourable conditions for run-scoring, he said the team had focused on maintaining its attacking intent while trusting its preparation and routines.
West Indies captain Shai Hope said the result had been decided by small moments, acknowledging that his side could have executed better with both the ball and in the field.
Hope also pointed to the loss of wickets during the Powerplay as a major setback, adding that the batting unit needed to build a stronger foundation rather than relying on individual performances.
He credited India for bowling effectively and taking advantage of the dry conditions.
West Indies face must-win fourth T20I
The fourth T20I will be played in Hyderabad on Wednesday, October 14, with the match scheduled to begin at 7pm Indian Standard Time (1.30pm GMT).
India will aim to extend their advantage and move closer to winning the series, while West Indies must win to keep their hopes of a series victory alive.
Sunday’s result also marked the first successful defence of a total by either team across the ODI and T20I matches on this tour, underlining the impact of India’s improved bowling performance in Indore.