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The fourth T20I of the five-match series between India and West Indies witnessed a stunning display of spin mastery at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium as Kuldeep Yadav wreaked havoc in a single over to push the hosts on the back foot.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, West Indies appeared to be laying a solid foundation as they were 52/2 at one point. However, the seventh over of the innings proved to be a turning point as India’s spin maestro Kuldeep stepped up to the challenge. In a remarkable display of skill, the young chinaman trapped both Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell in his web of spin, leaving the West Indies team reeling at 57/4.
Kuldeep dents West Indies’ hopes by dismissing Pooran
Pooran fell victim to Kuldeep’s cunning variation in his very first delivery of the match when the left-arm spinner tossed up a deceptively flighted googly outside off, tempting Pooran to go for the big shot. Although Pooran attempted to launch the ball downtown, it resulted in a mistimed stroke off the toe-end of his bat. Suryakumar Yadav made no mistake at long-on and held onto a comfortable catch, sending Pooran back to the pavilion.
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Powell left with no answer to Kuldeep’s magical delivery
Just a few balls later, Kuldeep struck again on the last ball of the over and claimed the prized wicket of Caribbean skipper Powell. The wicket came off a delivery aimed around leg-stump, to which Powell responded by trying to work the ball away. But unfortunately, he eventually ended up closing his bat face too early, with the white leather flowing off the outer edge of his bat to Shubman Gill at slip, where the latter collected a smart catch.
Powell’s departure added to the woes of the West Indies team, pushing them to 57-4 in a matter of moments.
Here’s the video:
Two wickets in the 1st over of the spell!
Chahal in 1st T20I
Kuldeep today 💪#WIvIND #INDvWIAdFreeonFanCode pic.twitter.com/Vos81nSMbx— FanCode (@FanCode) August 12, 2023
Despite the double blow, Shai Hope displayed remarkable resilience and character at the crease. He anchored the innings with a well-crafted 45 runs off 29 deliveries for the hosts, showcasing his ability to stabilize the innings in the face of adversity. Shimron Hetmyer also chipped in with a quickfire 61 runs off 35 balls, powering West Indies to a total competitive total of 178-8.
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