India clinches 14‑run win over West Indies in Indore T20 thriller

India posted 223 all out in 20 overs and defeated West Indies by 14 runs at Holkar Stadium, Indore. Abhishek Sharma led the chase with a brisk 69 off 30 balls, while Ishan Kishan added 37 off 18, their 108‑run partnership setting a solid platform. Tilak Varma’s 28 ended in a run‑out after a mix‑up with Axar Patel, and Prince Yadav’s late cameo lifted the total. West Indies replied with 209/7, Shimron Hetmyer scoring 43 and Kamil Pooran 42. Shai Hope, who had the chance to steer the chase, missed a delivery that struck his stumps, and Sherfane Rutherford was bowled by Arshdeep Singh’s yorker for 32. India’s bowlers turned the game. Naman Dhir claimed Kamil Pooran after Pooran hit sixes on the first, second and fifth balls of the over, extending Dhir’s “six and out” pattern. Dhir also dismissed Hetmyer with a fast‑skidding ball. Arshdeep Singh took 3/44, including the crucial wicket of Rutherford, while Axar Patel’s varied pace, mixing a floated ball at 101.8 kph with slower deliveries, earned 1/33. Roston Chase’s 2/38 was the only bright spot for the visitors. The win came just 48 hours after a heavy loss in Ranchi, showing a marked improvement in India’s spin and fast‑bowling plans.

Context

The victory reverses the momentum from the previous defeat in Ranchi and highlights how tighter length control and strategic bowling changes can swing close T20 contests.