The series is now level at 2-2, setting up a mouth-watering decider after Keemo Paul produced a sensational five-wicket haul to turn the game on its head and derail India’s chase. Shai Hope had laid the foundation with a brilliant century, adding to the remarkable run of hundreds witnessed on this tour, but it was Paul who emerged as the decisive figure in West Indies’ victory.
India’s chase had begun in spectacular fashion, with Sanju Samson racing to a half-century off just 20 deliveries. The wicketkeeper-batter looked in ominous touch and had given India the perfect platform to hunt down the target. However, West Indies had other plans, and Paul changed the complexion of the contest almost immediately.
Striking with his very first delivery, Paul ended Samson’s explosive innings by having him caught at deep backward square-leg. He followed that up by dismissing Ishan Kishan in the same over, leaving India suddenly vulnerable after what had looked like a commanding start.
Paul returned in the 19th over to deliver the knockout blow, claiming three wickets in the over and effectively sealing the contest for West Indies. His performance was the defining difference between the two sides, turning a promising Indian chase into a collapse under pressure.
India’s problems were not restricted to the wickets lost to Paul. Abhishek Sharma endured an unusually quiet outing, failing to find his rhythm, while Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy struggled to keep pace with the mounting required run-rate. Their dismissals further weakened India’s chances as the chase gradually slipped beyond their reach.
West Indies deserve considerable credit for the discipline and clarity of their bowling plans. Samson was targeted with short deliveries on a slightly larger ground, forcing him to clear the boundary rather than allowing him to dictate terms. India repeatedly found deep fielders, but that was as much a reflection of West Indies’ planning as it was of the visitors’ shortcomings.
Apart from Shamar Joseph, the West Indies attack largely maintained its discipline. Gudakesh Motie complemented Paul effectively, with two wickets in two deliveries proving particularly damaging during the middle overs.
With the series locked at 2-2, everything now comes down to the decider. India will need to reassess their approach, while West Indies will take immense confidence from a performance built on smart planning and outstanding execution.
