India's struggles continued on Sunday at Providence Stadium, where they dropped their second consecutive T20I in the five-match series. Nicholas Pooran's aggressive hitting proved decisive, leading the West Indies to a 2-wicket victory and a 2-0 series lead. Pooran's clinical 67 off 40 balls ensured the hosts chased down the 153-run target with a few balls to spare. Hardik Pandya provided the silver lining for India with a three-wicket performance.
Men in Blue experienced their second successive defeat in the five-match T20I series at the Providence Stadium on Sunday. Nicholas Pooran’s power-hitting helped West Indies to beat India by 2 wickets and take a 2-0 lead. Riding on Pooran’s brilliant knock of 40-ball 67, the hosts completed the chase of 153 runs with seven balls to spare. Indian skipper Hardik Pandya starred with a three-wicket haul.
Hardik Pandya's call to bat first backfired early, as the top order crumbled with Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav departing within the first four overs. The momentum shifted slightly when Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma put on 42 runs. However, the collapse resumed briefly after Kishan's 27 and Sanju Samson's short stay for 7. Tilak Varma remained the mainstay, battling his way to a 40-ball fifty.
Pandya chipped in with a brief 24-run cameo before Alzzari Joseph dismissed him. Axar Patel added 14, and contributions from the tail helped India post a final score of 152/7 after 20 overs. The West Indies' bowling was led by Joseph, Akeal Hosein, and Romario Shepherd, who all claimed three wickets apiece.
The West Indies started their pursuit poorly, reeling from a double-strike by Pandya in the opening over. Arshdeep Singh further damaged their lineup by removing Kyle Mayers for 15, leaving the hosts struggling at 32/3 after four overs. The game turned when Nicholas Pooran and captain Rovman Powell (21) put together a vital 57-run stand. Even though India managed to take three wickets in a single 16th over, the Windies kept their composure to seal the win.
India now faces a must-win situation in the third T20I on Tuesday, August 9, to avoid a series sweep and keep their hopes alive.