More runs on schedule: India eye T20I series win against West Indies

HYDERABAD: High-scoring games have been the norm in the white-ball series between India and West Indies and it should be no different on Wednesday when the two batting teams clash in the fourth T20 International at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.With India leading the five-match series 2-1, the hosts will be looking to seal the series. India started with a comfortable win as they chased down 172 in 15 overs, powered by captain Shreyas Iyer’s maiden T20I century. But the hosts were stunned in the second match despite posting 249 as Shai Hope’s unbeaten century helped West Indies level the record chase. India regained the lead by winning the third game.India’s formidable top order featuring Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan will once again be crucial to their fortunes. Abhishek’s explosive starts and Kishan’s consistency gave India momentum. Both will be in familiar territory as they play for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. In fact, it was a strong start that gave India the winning scores in the last two games.Samson will be under pressure to perform consistently with youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi breathing down his neck. After scores of 11, 82 and 3, Samson needs another big score. The middle order like Iyer, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy has plenty of fire power.The Indian bowling unit will have to find ways to contain the visitors’ power hitters. Mayank Yadav impressed with both pace and control while Naman Dhir proved to be a good option. Arshdeep Singh’s wickets in the previous match and the presence of Axar Patel add depth to the attack. Prince Yadav, who replaced Kuldeep Yadav in the previous game, will be keen to impress and strengthen his case.West Indies will look to their loaded batting line-up to keep the series alive. Hope with 159 runs was a key contributor along with Sherfane Rutherford (172 runs) who is a great batsman. Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Kamil Pooran and Sprinter provide plenty of firepower for the visitors.In a game dominated by the batsmen, Roston Chase stood tall with outstanding spin. He has consistently troubled the bighit Indian batters throughout the series.Indian vice-captain and local boy Tilak said they are wary of the big West Indies hitters. “The West Indies batsmen are very dangerous. If you think you can win the match by taking three or four wickets, it is not possible. After playing so much franchise cricket, they are so strong that they are relentless. So you have to take all the wickets or keep them quiet,” Tilak said.Tilak, who has had a lot of success at the top of the order, revealed that he likes to contribute wherever the team requires it. “I’m happy to play the role I’ve been given, whether it’s the first ball at the death or the rebuild. My aim is to play for the team to win,” he revealed.Meanwhile, West Indies coach Darren Sammy feels that restricting India in the overs is crucial. “The difference that kept us from going 2-1 was the power play. Even though we shut them out, they got a defendable total,” said Sammy.