August 12, 2023, Los Angeles, CA. By Dennis Heath
At the end of Match 3, I invited cricket fans to hurry and purchase tickets for match 4. Match 4 is the first of 2 matches scheduled for Lauderhill, Florida.
With the West Indies leading the series at 2 – 1, this match is likely the deciding match of the series. And West Indies are keen to show that under the leadership of new coach, Daren Sammy, and captain Rovman Powell, that the echoes of the past T20 champions were loudly calling.
West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first. Opening batters Mayers and King started positively, but their struggles for runs continued. Kyle Mayers, followed by King, Pooran and Powell were back in the pavilion by the end of the 7th over. West Indies at this point were 57 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. However, Shai Hope, recently recalled to the team as a replacement for Johnson Charles, and Shimron Hetmeyer who has struggled to find form in the previous matches, now batted with a purpose. Hope 45 runs and Hetmeyer 61 runs, brought respectability to the West Indies total score. Their innings ended at 178 for 8 wickets. Arshdeep Singh 3/38 and Kuldeep Yadav 2/26 were the best of the Indian bowlers.
When India batted, rising stars, Gill and Jaiswal who had failed miserably in previous matches, sparkled as they battered the West Indies bowlers. Total domination ensued as these two young batters, cut, pulled, and hooked The West Indies bowlers mercilessly. Their opening partnership of 165 runs was reported to be a record. Gill was out for 77 runs in the 16th over. Jaiswal was 84 not out.
India tied the series at 2 games each, winning this match by 9 wickets.
Tomorrow, the series final match is not one to be missed, especially after India’s performance in match 4. The odds are on India to win this series.
