The fifth and final T20I between India and West Indies was abandoned due to rain in Bengaluru, so the five-match series ended 2-2 and the two teams shared the trophy.
A Long Wait for a Short Match
The series was level at 2-2 going into the decider at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, and the match was a big occasion, the first international at the ground in two years. Rain delayed the toss, and West Indies chose to bowl when play finally began. The match was reduced to nine overs a side. India also added Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the squad for the decider, bringing the veteran pacer back into the T20I setup after nearly four years.
India Get Going, Then the Rain Returns
India made a fast start in the shortened game, reaching 56/2 after three overs and 88/3 after six. Tilak Varma was bowled by Shamar Springer for 7, one of several wickets that fell as India pushed for quick runs. India reached 118/5 in 7.4 overs before the rain came back for good, and the match was called off without West Indies getting a chance to bat.
What It Means
A 2-2 draw is a fair result after a series that had plenty of big hitting and several records. West Indies came close to ending a long wait for a series win in India, with their last one coming in 2002, and the washout means that will have to wait. India will be relieved to avoid a series defeat after West Indies’ record chase in Ranchi, though the bowling will need work after conceding big totals in the series. Both sides leave with a share of the trophy and plenty to think about.
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