![WI vs IND [WATCH]: Tilak Varma’s spectacular running catch on debut sends Johnson Charles packing in 1st T20I](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Johnson-Charles-and-Tilak-Varma.jpg "WI vs IND [WATCH]: Tilak Varma’s spectacular running catch on debut sends Johnson Charles packing in 1st T20I")
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The T20I series between India and West Indies commenced on August 3 at Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, featuring five matches. India continued their trend of fielding a young side in the shortest format of the game and handed debuts to emerging talents Tilak Varma and Mukesh Kumar in the series opener.
Opting to bowl first, the Indian bowlers managed to take wickets at regular intervals, keeping the hosts in check. Yuzvendra Chahal provided the first two breakthroughs during the powerplay. However, it was Varma who stole the limelight with an outstanding running catch in the eighth over to dismiss Johnson Charles.
Tilak Varma grabs a stunner on debut
Charles faced the left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who had just been introduced into the attack. On the third delivery of the eight over, Kuldeep lured Charles into an attacking shot with a flighted delivery on the stumps. The West Indian wicket keeper-batter attempted to slog sweep the third ball of the over towards cow corner, but he sliced the shot, sending the ball high into the skies.
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At that moment, it seemed the white leather would land safely, as there was a considerable gap in the field at deep midwicket. Nevertheless, Varma had other plans. Positioned at deep midwicket, the young debutant showed tremendous anticipation and commitment as he put in an exhausting sprint while keeping a keen eye on the descending ball. As it threatened to fall out of reach, the 20-year-old threw himself forward and completed an outstanding diving catch.
Here’s the video:
"𝗛𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗴𝗲.”@TilakV9
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.#INDvWIAdFreeonFanCode #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/1O9KQsBOOx— FanCode (@FanCode) August 3, 2023
Speaking of the game, the West Indies’ innings concluded with them posting a competitive total of 149/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Nicholas Pooran and skipper Rovman Powell played crucial roles in bolstering the West Indies’ innings, with Pooran contributing 41 runs and Powell showcasing a determined effort with 48 runs. Nonetheless, other West Indies batters struggled to find their rhythm and get going.
India’s bowlers, led by Chahal and Arshdeep Singh, displayed their skills and kept the opposition batters in check throughout the innings and picked two wickets each.
In the chase of 150 runs, India faced a shaky start as Shubman Gill was stumped by Pooran off Akael Hosein’s delivery, adding only three runs from nine balls to the scoreboard. At 5/1 in 2.2 overs, the pressure was on India to recover from the early loss.
Suryakumar Yadav came in next and immediately launched an attack, hitting Akael and Alzarri Joseph for boundaries. However, in the fifth over, Ishan Kishan gave an easy catch to WI skipper at mid-on off Obed McCoy’s delivery, scoring only six runs from nine balls. India’s score was 28/2 in 4.5 overs.
Varma stepped in at number four and showed his attacking prowess by smashing two maximums off Alzarri’s deliveries. In the eighth over, he took on Romario Shepherd, hitting him for a boundary and a six. The Hyderbad-born cricketer top-scored for India with an impressive 39 runs off 22 balls, including three sixes and two fours. Despite Varma’s valiant efforts, India fell short by four runs and lost the series opener.
Takes a blinder.
Hits back to back sixes to kick off his innings.
A dashing debut for Tilak Varma 😎#INDvWIAdFreeonFanCode #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/VpcKOyfMSR— FanCode (@FanCode) August 3, 2023
The second T20I between India and West Indies is scheduled to take place at Providence Stadium in Guyana on Sunday, August 6.
