And that is all from the T20 match. West Indies are tied 1-1 in the five-match series, and we will see you in 17 hours for match #3. It was a chaotic evening, with most of us not knowing when the game would start after the logistical issues. But at the end of the day, we enjoyed a game of cricket that lasted almost all the way. What more can you want? Hope you enjoyed ESPNcricinfo's coverage and keep an eye out for all the analysis from this contest overnight. Thank you all!
Winning captain Nicholas Pooran. On the series tying victory: "I can finally breathe now. It has been a tough summer, we have lost a couple of close games. Happy to cross the line. Bowlers were fantastic. Obed, McCoy. They used the pitch, the conditions, the wind well. The batters got us off to a good start, and even though we stumbled, a win is a win in the end. I believe that in T20 cricket our better batters have to bat more. It didn't work out for myself and Hetmyer today, but we want to continue taking responsibility. King batted really well, thought he should win the game for us, but he will learn from this. Thomas returned from an injury and came trumps in his home ground. McCoy is a bit of a freak, and we need to deal with him, but today he was excellent. Was smart bowling to Dinesh Karthik, lovely to have him in the team. Good to have the left-arm option as well."
Losing captain Rohit Sharma is here. His assessment: "It was not enough runs on the board for us. We didn't bat well. Pitch was playing quite nicely but we didn't apply ourselves. But that can happen. I have said again and again that when you are trying something as a batting group, it won't work out always. We will try to see our mistakes and look to correct them. (20th over from Avesh) It's all about giving opportunity. We know Bhuvneshwar, what he brings to the table, but if you don't give opportunity to Avesh or Arshdeep you will never find out what it means to bowl at the death for India. They have done it in the IPL. Just one game, those guys don't need to panic. They need backing and opportunity. (Fighting effort) Proud of the team. When you are defending a target like that, it can end in 13-14 overs or you try to drag it to the last over. Guys kept fighting, it was important to take wickets. The planning we did, the guys came and executed. Happy with bowlers, but there are certain things in the batting we need to look at. I will again and again say that we will continue to bat in this fashion because we want to achieve something. One-off result, shouldn't panic. After one loss we won't change things around."
McCoy is the POTM and this is what he has to say. "I want to thank God," he says. "I'm doing this for my mom, she is home sick. This is motivating me to be a better player. Thankful for it. (Rohit wicket) It put a lot of pressure on their batters. I always look for wickets in the powerplay because that stops batsmen from scoring runs in the powerplay. (Reason for success) Went in with a clear mind. Was overthinking in the previous game. (His role - powerplay and back end) It gives me a lot of challenge and experience. Helps groom me as a player."
Frase: "India pay the price for playing to prepare rather than playing to win. Not being super critical, but if the game is in the balance why not throw the ball to Bhuvi? All this will do is hurt the confidence of Avesh."
Chris: "fed up of Ashwin getting away with bad balls he bowls so frequently in T20s. when will the xperts and commentators call those out? " -- You may have a point. We often put the magnifying glass too much on the powerplay and death overs.
4.56pm From being on 11 in 13 balls, Devon Thomas has broken the shackles and taken West Indies home from a potentially tricky position. Finishes on a 19-ball 31 and even hits the winning runs. But the key batter for West Indies in this chase was Brandon King. He scored more than double than any other batter across both sides, his 68 really ensuring West Indies went into the back end with wickets in hand. The series is now tied 1-1.
Some people will be confused why Rohit went with the inexperienced bowlers in the death overs, but if you look at the bigger picture, it may just make some sense. However, losing (and winning) are both habits so it is a Catch 22 situation. However, that India could last 19.2 overs while defending a score of 138 means that their bowlers did a solid job. Jadeja was tidy, Ashwin was wily (albeit a tad expensive), Hardik continues to impress with his control and Arshdeep grows in stature with every outing.
Despite King's half-century, though, we all know who the Player of the Match will be. Obed McCoy's six-wicket haul ensured that neither did India get off to a flyer, nor could they finish strong with the bat.
Zainulabeddin: "@Rohit Sharma: Why didn't you make your ace bowler bowl? A complete brain-fade."
The fans are dancing. For the first time in a long long time.
Eight needed off six. And it is a free hit.
WI need 10 to win. Nine for a super over. This tour has really provided some classic white-ball games. Who will get the W tonight? Avesh has been given the responsibility.
Saksham Chauhan: "Why no Bhubhaneshwar Kumar?" -- Rohit showing confidence in his younger brigade.
END OF OVER:19 | 6 Runs 1 Wkt | WI: 129/5 (10 runs required from 6 balls, RR: 6.78, RRR: 10.00)
- Devon Thomas21 (17b)
- Odean Smith3 (3b)
- Arshdeep Singh4-0-26-1
- Hardik Pandya4-0-22-1
Prithvi : "Irrespective of the result, this is amazing captaincy from Rohit!! Made a match out of such low score. Totally worth my time ( Sacrificing sleep even after India's low score)"
Surely a free ball for Thomas. He can go for a six, and if he gets out, so be it, you'd have to think. Holder still in the hut.
15 needed off 10. One very fine short third man in position
Rahul Oak : "Really, really impressive here from Arshdeep. He seems to have overtaken Natarajan and Khaleel as a T20 left arm seam option."
R Powell b Arshdeep Singh 5 (17m 8b 0x4 0x6) SR: 62.50
16 off 12. Holder, Smith and Hosein to follow. They can all tonk it. WI are just three scoring shots away from tying the series. Here's Arshdeep.
END OF OVER:18 | 11 Runs | WI: 123/4 (16 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 6.83, RRR: 8.00)
- Devon Thomas18 (15b)
- Rovman Powell5 (7b)
- Hardik Pandya4-0-22-1
- Arshdeep Singh3-0-20-0
Sinosh: "Tactical error from Rohit. Not giving Bhuvi his full overs" -- Rohit and management have maintained that they will try a few different things looking ahead to the T20 World Cup. They need to prepare for situations that may include not having the injury-prone Bhuvneshwar in their line up
Asahel : "Watch the win predictor dance with every dot ball now"
Pandya. His final over. 27 needed off 18. His economy has been 3.67 today in three overs.
END OF OVER:17 | 4 Runs | WI: 112/4 (27 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 6.58, RRR: 9.00)
- Devon Thomas9 (11b)
- Rovman Powell3 (5b)
- Arshdeep Singh3-0-20-0
- Avesh Khan2-0-19-1
conceded just three so far. Can he finish off well?
Kunal Sahu: "Why is Avesh wearing Arshdeep's jersey?" -- Probably the same reason why the game started three hours late! Luggage delivery issues.