Persistent weather disruptions in Bengaluru ultimately dictated the outcome of the series decider between India and the West Indies, resulting in a 2-2 series tie. Following a two-and-a-half-hour delay due to rain, the match was reduced to a nine-over-a-side contest, but heavy showers at 10:21 p.m. finally halted proceedings permanently after only 7.4 overs were bowled. At 10.21pm, a fresh bout of rain ended India’s innings prematurely, and the game as a result, prompting handshakes as series honours were shared at 2-2. Consistent rain across the city initially delayed the toss for two-and-a-half hours.
India’s batters embraced an aggressive strategy immediately. Abhishek Sharma opened with a six before being dismissed by Keemo Paul. Ishan Kishan maintained the momentum, targeting Romario Shepherd for 24 runs in the second over. Kishan eventually departed for a rapid 30 off 10 balls against Shamar Joseph. By the end of the third over, India had surged to 56/2, aided by quick boundaries from Sanju Samson. Picking Romario Shepherd apart for a 24-run second over, ishan Kishan didn’t let the tempo falter. Necessitating a relentless approach from India’s batting star-cast, it eventually relented for a nine-over shootout. Having scored 30 off only 10 balls, kishan fell to Shamar Joseph trying another flat-batted stroke.
As the conditions became more challenging, Shreyas Iyer struggled to find fluency. After being dropped on 18, he was dismissed for 22. Despite the damp ball, Naman Dhir provided a late surge, scoring 24 off just 6 deliveries, a cameo that included three sixes and a four. Following the dismissal of Tilak Varma, intensifying rain forced the players from the field, leading to an abandonment of the game. And Iyer, dropped on 18, finally perished for a scratchy 22, a bit of drizzle added more grip to the surface. Though, remained quick despite all the rain, it was also when some odd extra bounce appeared on the track; the outfield.
The match concluded with India at 118/5 after 7.4 overs. In the limited action, Shamar Springer claimed 2/17 and Keemo Paul took 2/34. With no further play possible, the umpires called off the match, ensuring the series honors remained shared at 2-2.
