Karthik, Krunal guide India to thrilling win
kolkata — Hosts India survived some anxious moments before defeating the West Indies by a fivewicket margin in a low-scoring opening match of the three T20 Internationals at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.
Chasing a lowly West Indies total of 109 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs, India were tottering at four wickets for 45 runs before Dinesh Karthik’s unbeaten knock of 31 runs off 34 balls and his sixth wicket partnership with Krunal Pandya ( 21 runs off 9 balls) saw India score 110 for 5 wickets in 17.5 overs.
Earlier, Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav and debutant Krunal spun a web around the West Indies batsmen. The Windies were reduced to 34/3 in seven overs when Pandya — who had misfielded in only the second ball of the innings — was brought in. The elder brother of injured Hardik got rid of comeback man Kieron Pollard and gave away just 15 runs while senior pro Kuldeep scalped three wickets leaking 13 runs.
After 15 overs, the tourists had managed just 63 runs, losing 7 wickets. Fabien Allen top-scored for the Windies with a counter-attacking 27 off 20 balls (4x4) while Keemo Paul remained unbeaten on 15 alongwith Khari Pierre (9 not out).
West Indies crossed the 100-run mark riding a big 19th over which fetched 16 runs off Umesh Yadav (1/36). Jasprit Bumrah (1/27) and debutant Khaleel Ahmed (1/16) also got a wicket apiece. The tourists were off to the worst possible start, losing both openers inside the first four overs, and in ludicrous fashion.
First, Denesh Ramdin (2) poked tentatively at a Umesh delivery outside the off-stump that flew to Dinesh Karthik behind the stumps. In the next over, a comical run out led to inform Shai Hope (14) — who replaced injured Andre Russell at the last minute in the squad — making the long walk back to the pavilion. —