Abhishek Sharma’s Explosive 69 Powers India to 14-Run Win Over West Indies in 3rd T20I

India defeated the West Indies by 14 runs in the third T20 International on Sunday to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. After being asked to bat, India posted 223 all out in 20 overs, powered by opener Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 69 off just 30 balls. The West Indies managed 209 for seven in their allotted 20 overs while chasing a target of 224.

Abhishek dominated the Indian innings with six sixes and five fours, registering his 14th T20I half-century off just 18 deliveries. He shared a 108-run partnership with Ishan Kishan off only 40 balls, putting India on course for a total in excess of 250. Kishan provided excellent support, scoring 37 off 18 balls, including six fours and a six.

Abhishek began his assault against Roston Chase in the third over, striking a boundary over cover before smashing two sixes. Despite some deliveries keeping unexpectedly low on the pitch, the left-hander continued to attack the West Indies bowlers.

However, India's momentum changed dramatically in the ninth over when Chase dismissed Kishan through a quick stumping by Shai Hope. Three deliveries later, Shreyas Iyer fell for one after being trapped leg before wicket by Chase. Abhishek's innings ended when he miscued a short delivery from Shamar Springer, leaving India under pressure.

India's middle-order struggles continued as vice-captain Tilak Varma (28 off 16 balls) was run out in a bizarre incident. Tilak failed to return to his crease while Axar Patel survived a close run-out chance after a mix-up. Axar later departed for 20 off 14 balls following another misunderstanding with Arshdeep Singh. Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed 21 off 14 deliveries, while Chase and Springer claimed two wickets apiece.

In reply, the West Indies fought back through Shimron Hetmyer (43) and Kamil Pooran (42), but could not sustain the required scoring rate. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh rediscovered his rhythm, taking three wickets for 44 runs to help India seal the victory.

India had won the opening match by eight wickets in Lucknow before the West Indies levelled the series with a six-wicket victory in Ranchi. The Indore triumph gives India a 2-1 advantage, with the final two matches set to decide the series.