Team India took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against West Indies, with a  thrilling two-wicket victory in the second game in Trinidad on Sunday (July 24).

Chasing the big target of 312, the Men in Blue lost stand-in skipper Shikhar Dhawan (13) early but Shubman Gill (43), Shreyas Iyer (63), and Sanju Samson (54) kept them in the hunt with handy knocks. In the end, Akshar Patel came to India’s rescue as he slammed his maiden ODI half-century to seal the deal.

The visitors needed 8 runs in the final over with Akshar and Mohammed Siraj in the middle. Since Siraj is not known for his batting, Akshar didn’t want to take a single. However, the left-hander had to settle for just one as he couldn’t come back for another run on the second delivery.

Speaking to bcci.tv, Siraj recalled the moment after the match, revealing that Akshar Patel was pumped up to finish the chase and it rubbed on him as well. But Siraj opted for a sensible approach as he pushed for a single to bring Akshar on strike.

"Akshar ko dekh ke lag raha tha ki jaise woh baat kar raha tha, jaise woh pumped tha, alag hi feel ho raha tha. Mujhe bhi feel ho raha tha ki mai bhi maar dunga chakka. But sensible yehi tha ki mera single lena," Siraj said.

With 6 needed off the last three balls, Akshar Patel hit a six off Kyle Mayer’s full toss delivery over long-off to take the tourists 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.

The third ODI and final ODI will be played at the same venue on Wednesday (July 27).