After registering a nervy two-wicket victory over West Indies in the second ODI, India batter Shreyas Iyer said that he is hopeful of scoring a century in the next game.
Chasing the big target of 312, the Men in Blue rode on half-centuries from Shreyas, Sanju Samson and Akshar Patel to get over the line with two deliveries to spare.
WATCH – Shikhar Dhawan-led Indian team’s crazy celebration after ODI series win
Iyer was trapped in front of the wicket by Alzarri Joseph when he was on 63 off 71 balls.
"I was really happy with the score which I got today but really unhappy with the way I was dismissed. I thought I could have taken the team through easily but very unfortunate with the wicket. Hopefully, I score a century in the next game," said Shreyas Iyer in a post-match press conference.
With this victory, Team India took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. During the chase, they were struggling at 79/3 before Iyer and Samson (54) added 99 runs to provide stability.
"We lost two back-to-back wickets for 60 and from there we had to rebuild. Sanju came in and showed a lot of intent. I was already batting and had faced around 20 balls. So, me and Sanju knew what we had to do. Sanju faced a few balls and then he took on to the spinners," said Iyer.
"He hit them for two sixes and suddenly the momentum shifted towards us and from there, we built on the partnership," he added.
In the end, Akshar Patel came to India’s rescue as he slammed his maiden ODI half-century to seal the deal.
With 6 needed off the last three balls, the left-hander smashed a six off Kyle Mayer’s full toss delivery over long-off to take the visitors over the line. He notched up his fifty in just 27 deliveries and eventually returned with 64 not out off 35 balls, which included 3 fours and 5 sixes.
"It was fun, to be honest. We all were sitting together and Rahul sir was getting tensed. He was passing on the message. But yeah, I think a lot of players showed really good emotions out there. They were really calm and composed during the pressure situations," Iyer remarked.
"Since we have played so many games now, so we have seen such emotions and it was just a normal game for us. I think we did pretty well, especially Akshar. Outstanding knock," he added.
The third ODI and final ODI will be played at the same venue on Wednesday (July 27).
(With PTI inputs)