The thrilling clash between West Indies and India in the decisive fifth T20I of the series captivated cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The hosts clinched an emphatic 8-wicket victory over Team India, sealing the series with a score of 3-2. As the match unfolded at Florida’s vibrant cricketing arena, a young talent emerged to leave an indelible mark on the game.
Opting to bat first, the Hardik Pandya-led Indian side posted a total of 165/9 in their allotted 20 overs. However, it was during the West Indies’ chase that a notable moment transpired, featuring the rising star Tilak Varma. The chase appeared effortless for the home team, achieving victory in just 18 overs.
Despite the loss, the final match of the series unveiled Tilak Varma’s versatile skills, contributing significantly to India’s efforts. The young batter managed to secure his first international wicket by dismissing the explosive Nicholas Pooran, a testament to his growing presence on the international stage.
The pivotal moment occurred in the 13th over, when Varma delivered a well-angled good length ball from around the wicket. Pooran attempted a switch hit but misjudged the timing, resulting in a catch near the slips where the ever-alert Hardik Pandya was stationed, securing an easy catch. The video of this breakthrough quickly circulated on social media platforms, generating admiration from cricket enthusiasts and fellow players alike.
Also WATCH: Nicholas Pooran’s barrage of sixes leaves Hardik Pandya stunned in the series decider
Here is the video:
Whatever he touches turns to gold 👌🔥
Tilak Varma 👊 can't do no wrong as he picks up the big wicket of Nicholas Pooran ☝️ #WIvIND #SabJawaabMilenge #JioCinema pic.twitter.com/5lFHAP4lml
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) August 13, 2023
‘Losing is good at times’: Hardik Pandya after series defeat against WI
In the aftermath of the series loss, Indian skipper Pandya maintained an optimistic outlook, emphasizing the team’s valuable learning experiences from the defeat. Pandya acknowledged the team’s character and resilience, highlighting their continuous pursuit of innovative strategies and approaches.
Pandya expressed his satisfaction in witnessing young talents like Varma stepping up and contributing to the team’s endeavors. He praised their display of character and readiness to shoulder responsibilities, asserting that such contributions are pivotal for the team’s progress.
“I know how the boys are within the group. We have enough time to figure out. Losing is good at times. On the positive side, we have done a lot of learnings. The boys showed character. Credit to them. They kept coming and tried something new. It is part of the process. It is what I feel at that moment. If I see a situation, I generally prefer something that comes to mind. No rocket science, just my gut feel,” said Pandya at the post-match presentation.
“Every youngster who is coming in, is showing character. I can’t be more happy when I see a youngster comes in and puts his hand up. A big thank you to everyone. The T20 World Cup would be here. There would be bigger numbers then,” he added.
