India went down by 24 runs in a high-scoring fourth T20I against the West Indies at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, setting up an exciting decider for fans at Bengaluru with the series poised at 2-2.
Invited to bat first, the Caribbean batters unleashed a ferocious assault, piling up a massive total of 247/3 in their 20 overs. The charge was led by skipper Shai Hope, who smashed a breathtaking, unbeaten 102 off just 50 deliveries, completing his century with a six off the final ball of the innings. He was ably supported by Sherfane Rutherford, who remained explosive till the end with a quick-fire 49* off 26 balls.
Chasing a monumental target of 248, Sanju Samson provided an explosive start with a 23-ball 56. Tilak Varma (43) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) kept the hopes alive, but the hosts fell short, getting bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs. West Indies pacer Keemo Paul delivered a clinical, ice-cold performance, picking up a sensational 5-wicket haul (5/41) to derail India's chase.
Following the match, India's captain Shreyas Iyer lamented the team's bowling lapses, stating they failed to execute proper lines and lengths. He also noted that the surface grew trickier and slower in the middle overs, with the ball holding up and offering extra bounce.
Reflecting on the performance, Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer admitted "it all started with the bowling", noting that the bowlers failed to execute their plans effectively and let the West Indies batters capitalize on poor lines and lengths.
However, Iyer praised the batting unit's fearless attitude in chasing down a target close to 250.
“Yeah, it all started with bowling. I think we didn't execute our line and lengths well, and at the end of the day, chasing 250, you have to go in a certain pattern when you're coming in chasing. So I like the approach when we were chasing, but we were unfortunate we couldn't execute our plans in bowling, and that's where we fell a bit short,” Iyer said at the post-match presentation.
He dismissed the suggestion that opener Abhishek Sharma's limited time on strike had affected his start, pointing instead to tourists' disciplined bowling and the assistance available from the surface.
“Not really. We were still going 12 an over at that point in time. It's just that they executed their plan, and there was a bit to offer from the wicket as well. The ball was kicking a bit, and they used the field pretty well. So credit where it's due, and their execution was spot on,” Iyer stated.
The captain noted that the surface grew trickier in the middle overs, with the ball holding up and offering extra bounce.
“Yeah, it was holding a bit, and there was some odd bounce as well. But yeah, knowing that, I feel the bowlers, they realised it. They are bowlers, and the way they bowled according to the field, that's what was important, especially in those middle overs,” he said.
Shreyas Iyer commended West Indies for regaining control after India threatened to build momentum during the chase.
“Even though the momentum shifted towards us in between, still the ability to bounce back was top-notch, and I'm sure the fifth one would be an interesting one,” he remarked.
Despite the loss, Iyer backed his batters' aggressive intent and stated that the team would stick to their positive mindset rather than overthinking the defeat ahead of the series-decider.
“Obviously, you know, getting 220, especially when we were chasing, and then scoring 250, you can see the approach and attitude of every individual. So the approach is going to be the same,” Iyer said.
“I feel going forward we don't have to think much about, you know, our bowling, but it's all about execution and having that fresh mindset where you come on that given day and see to it that you seize the moment,” he concluded.
