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In the series-decider on Sunday (August 13), West Indies convincingly defeated India by 8 wickets, securing a 3-2 victory in the five-match T20I rubber. This triumph marked West Indies’ first T20I series win over India since 2017, a remarkable achievement considering India’s status as the top-ranked team in Men’s T20Is. Rovman Powell led his team to this success, with standout performances from individuals like Nicholas Pooran.
Throughout the series, Pooran proved to be the pivotal difference between the two teams. His consistent and impactful batting contributions played a crucial role in putting West Indies in dominant positions. In various instances, The 27-year-old’s performances turned the tide in favour of his team. In the second T20I, he single-handedly led his side to victory. In the subsequent fixtures, India managed to dismiss him early, resulting in their comfortable wins.
Opting to bat first, Men in Blue posted a modest total of 165/9. West Indies recognized the opportunity to exert further pressure by dominating the powerplay phase. Consequently, when Kyle Mayers was dismissed in the second over, Pooran was elevated in the batting order. Until that point in the series, Pooran had been batting at No. 4. Initially cautious, the left-hander then unleashed his aggressive side, launching a massive six over the cow corner off Arshdeep Singh‘s delivery.
Pooran thrashes Hardik Pandya in the decisive T20I encounter
This shot served as a precursor to Pooran’s dominant performance, which was yet to unfold. A fielding lapse provided Pooran a second chance as Mukesh Kumar couldn’t hold on to a catch from Hardik Pandya‘s bowling. Exploiting this reprieve, the Couva-born cricketer demonstrated his explosive hitting prowess, smashing consecutive sixes in Hardik’s over. The first one sailed over long-on, and the second was dispatched with disdain over midwicket.
Here’s the video:
Six or nothing for Nicholas Pooran 🔥
A power-packed start for the Calypso batter 👊#WIvIND #SabJawaabMilenge #JioCinema pic.twitter.com/DLKUNzRUZr
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) August 13, 2023
Catch the extended highlights from the 5th T20I T20I only on FanCode 👉 https://t.co/6EDO1Ijfiw
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.#INDvWI #INDvWIAdFreeonFanCode pic.twitter.com/lHj2sAbLsn— FanCode (@FanCode) August 13, 2023
The backstory behind the Pooran-Hardik saga
Worth noting is a playful exchange that transpired after the third T20I. Following that game, Indian captain Hardik humorously welcomed Pooran’s challenge to hit him for sixes, expressing his enjoyment of such competitive banter.
“Nicky (Pooran) didn’t come out to bat and that allowed us to keep our pacers back, also allowed Axar to bowl his four overs,” Hardik said during the post-match presentation ceremony.
“If Nicky wants to hit, let him hit me and that was the plan, I enjoy such competition. I know he is going to hear this and will come hard at me in the fourth T20I,” the Indian-all rounder concluded.
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