In an anti-climactic finish to the second T20I, heavy rains denied India a chance to level the series after dominating proceedings in the West Indies innings as the match was called off due to the wet outfield, here today.
West Indies under the leadership of new skipper Carlos Braithwaite beat India by just one run in a nail-biting finish during first game, winning the two-match series, 1-0.
The second T20 began 40 minutes late due to technical reasons and the rains spoilt in the second innings. The match was interrupted when India was 15 for no loss in two overs, chasing 144 to win.
The absence of Super Sopper at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium meant that the game could not be re-started at cut-off time.
It was heartbreaking for India as their bowlers bowled with supreme control to bundle out West Indies for a mere 143 in 19.4 overs, leaving behind the bashing they had suffered in the opening match.
In the fourth Test at Port of Spain, rains and unplayable conditions had denied India the chance to retain their No. 1 rank in Tests as the match ended in a draw.
Leg-spinner Amit Mishra (3 for 24) provided the opening breakthrough by dismissing Johnson Charles (43) and Ravi Ashwin then combined with paceman Jasprit Bumrah to tighten the noose around the West Indies with regular strikes.
Bumrah (2/26) was consistent with his line and length while Mohammed Shami also chipped in with two scalps.
Mishra put the brakes on the scoring rate, giving away only four runs in that over. With spinners looking like making an impact, India captain MS Dhoni introduced left-armer Ravindra Jadeja, who bowled five dots and conceded only one run in the next over.
While the first five overs fetched West Indies 50 runs, India conceded only 26 in the next five, bowled by spinners, and also took two wickets. Ashwin foxed a charging Lendl Simmons (19) with a wide ball and had him stumped.
However, the result has not affected India's ICC T20I rankings, as they remain at No. 2 followed by West Indies on the third spot.
