India clinches the two-match Test series 1-0 against West Indies

India secured a series victory against West Indies as the second Test in Port of Spain ended in a draw on the final day due to rain. With this, India has clinched the two-match Test series 1-0.

On the fourth day, India set a daunting target of 365 runs for the Windies to chase. However, the West Indies found themselves at 76/2 at the end of the day, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul (24) and Jermaine Blackwood (20) at the crease. The Windies had a decent start to their chase, but spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s (2/33) crucial breakthroughs, removing Kraigg Braithwaite (28) and Kirk McKenzie (0), reduced the hosts to 44/2.

Earlier, India declared their second innings at 181/2, with Ishan Kishan (52* in 34 balls) and Shubman Gill (29*) remaining unbeaten. Their aggressive batting allowed India to set a commanding target, and the Windies bowlers Shannon Gabriel and Jomel Warrican managed to take a wicket each.

During India’s first innings, their batting prowess was on full display as they amassed a total of 438 runs. Virat Kohli led from the front with a brilliant century, scoring 121 runs in 206 balls. Rohit Sharma (80 in 143 balls), Yashasvi Jaiswal (57 in 74 balls), Ravindra Jadeja (61 in 152 balls), and Ravichandran Ashwin (56 in 78 balls) also contributed significantly to India’s formidable score.

The West Indies, in response, struggled to match India’s performance, being bowled out for 255 runs in their first innings. Skipper Kraigg Braithwaite (75 in 235 balls) played a valiant innings, but Mohammed Siraj’s exceptional bowling display of 5/60 restricted the Windies’ progress. Mukesh Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja also contributed with two wickets each, while Ravichandran Ashwin claimed one wicket.

India’s aggressive approach during their second innings further exemplified their dominance as they reached the 100-run mark in just 12.2 overs, setting a new record for the fastest century in Test cricket’s history.

Despite the unfortunate interruption by rain on the final day, India’s splendid performance throughout the Test series earned them a well-deserved victory against the West Indies. The players showcased their skills in both batting and bowling departments, highlighting India’s depth and talent in Test cricket.

The series win will undoubtedly boost India’s confidence as they continue their cricketing journey, while the West Indies will seek to regroup and make a strong comeback in the future encounters.

“We showed some fight in this game with the bat but Bowling-wise, we can be more disciplined”: WI skipper Braithwaite after series loss to India

West Indies skipper Kraigg Braithwaite acknowledged his team’s display of resilience with the bat but highlighted the need for more discipline in their bowling after losing the Test series to India. The second Test in Port of Spain ended in a draw due to rain, resulting in India claiming a 1-0 series victory. Braithwaite praised the batting efforts of Alick Athanaze and Kirk McKenzie, seeing them as promising players for the future. Despite India setting a challenging target of 365 runs, the West Indies showed determination during their chase, but the weather denied them an opportunity to complete the chase.

“We showed some fight in this game with the bat. Bowling-wise, we can be more disciplined. It was a good comeback from the batters. We lost five wickets yesterday, that was not good. We were positive, we had 98 overs on a pitch that was relatively good. It (chase) was on. Unfortunately with the weather, we did not get a chance,” said Kraigg in the post-match presentation. 

India’s dominance in the series was evident with solid batting performances from players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja contributing to their impressive first innings total of 438. The West Indies struggled to match India’s batting prowess, leading to a deficit in the first innings. Mohammed Siraj’s exceptional bowling with five wickets in the first innings and Ravichandran Ashwin’s crucial wickets further solidified India’s control over the series.