Hardik Pandya blames batsmen after India lose 2nd T20I against West Indies

Hardik Pandya-led India faced defeat at the hands of West Indies by 2 in the 2nd T20I at Guyana.

In a remarkable run chase, West Indies have defeated India by only 2 wickets in the second T20I at Providence Stadium. Akeal Hoein’s winning drive to a boundary provided West Indies an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the 5-match T20I series. India did make a comeback in the game when they picked up 4 wickets in 2 overs.

Akeal Hosien (16) and Alzarri Joseph (10) stitched a 26 runs stand for the 9th wicket to chase down India’s given target of 153 runs. In an enthralling contest of a T20I game, Nicolas Pooran powered the West Indies chase with 67 runs in 40 balls smashing 6 fours and 4 sixes. Batting first, India posted 152 runs on the board. West Indies with a spirited effort in batting, chased down the total. 

Hardik Pandya opens up about India’s lower order

The Indian captain once again lashed out at Indian batters for not showing up. Disappointed Hardik Pandya said, “That was not a pleasing batting performance by us. The wickets were falling and the track was on the slower side. We were not good enough to get to 160 plus.”

India captain Hardik Pandya praised West Indies batsman Nicolas Pooran for his match-winning knock and said, “The way Pooran has been batting makes it difficult to rotate spinners. Doesn’t matter if someone takes the ball away or into him. The way he batted from two for two, it was incredible.” Hardik Pandya put the West Indies under pressure with his first spell as he picked up 2 wickets in the first Over.

Team India are facing a severe problem in the lower order. Talking about the same, Hardik Pandya said, “The Combination that we have means we have to bat with 7 batters, bowlers win you games. We have to figure out how we get batting strength at No. 8, 9, 10.” 

Powell comfortable after 2 back-to-back wins

West Indies skipper Rovman Powell was thrilled with two back-to-back wins against India. Powell said, “It’s a very good position to be in. Hopefully we can keep winning. We always knew it was going to come down to how we batted against spin.”

The game got so close after India made a comeback in the 15th and 16th over. Talking about India’s comeback, WI captain Powell added, “Shows cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. I realised that whenever batters go at the bowlers, they don’t go at the first over. So I tried to eliminate that and gave my bowlers one-over spells, especially fast bowlers because it is very hot.” Rovman Powell played a great supporting hand to Pooran and scored 21 runs in 19 balls. Both added 57 runs in 6 overs. 

Pooran madness at Providence

Nicolas Pooran was awarded Player of the Match for his magnificent half-century, coming under pressure after the double wicket first over in the chase, Pooran unleashed a counterattack on Indian bowlers. Nicolas Pooran said he is satisfied with his performance, “Satisfied that I performed. The beauty of the game is it is never over till it’s over. Being consistent is something I am wanting to do.”

Pooran has played a few blistering knocks in the last few innings. Talking about his form he added, “I won’t say it is a purple patch. I have been working hard in the last couple of years. But we have been losing, now I look at the game differently and want to continue to entertain.”

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