Samson, Tilak And Iyer Power India To 249/5 Against West Indies In Second T20I

Sanju Samson’s explosive 82 off 41 deliveries, combined with Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 44 off 18 balls and Shreyas Iyer’s rapid 40, powered India to 249/5 in 20 overs against the West Indies in the second T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday.

Samson dominated the early exchanges, scoring his ninth T20I half-century off just 21 balls. He equalled Virat Kohli’s record for the fastest half-century by an Indian against the West Indies in T20Is. Kohli had achieved the feat at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium in 2019.

Abhishek Sharma contributed 20 off 12 balls before Roston Chase dismissed him. Samson and Ishan Kishan then accelerated the scoring, taking India to 127/1 at the halfway stage.

Kishan entertained his home crowd with 43 off 22 deliveries, hitting six fours and two sixes, before Chase bowled him in the 12th over. The off-spinner then dismissed Shivam Dube for seven, dragging the batter onto his stumps.

Samson continued his assault before Shamar Springer ended his innings in the 15th over. Kamil Pooran took the catch in the deep, ending Samson’s magnificent knock, which included nine fours and four sixes.

Samson departed to a standing ovation after recording the highest individual T20I score at the Ranchi venue. Chase finished with impressive figures of 3/24, while Springer took two wickets.

India recovered strongly through Iyer and Tilak, who added 83 runs off 32 deliveries. Iyer struck 40 off 18 balls, while Tilak remained unbeaten on 44, including three consecutive sixes.

Naman Dhir also struck a boundary off his only delivery as India finished at 249/5, setting the West Indies a challenging target.

Brief Scores: India 249/5 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 82, Tilak Varma 44 not out; Roston Chase 3/24, Shamar Springer 2/64).

Also Read: West Indies Elect To Bowl Against India In Second T20I; Hosts Retain Unchanged XI