India wins the T20 series

Adarsh Rout, Florida: Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, praised the finish provided by Krunal Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja which helped India post 167 for 5 en route their 22-run win (DLS Method) in the second T20I against West Indies, on Sunday. On a slow pitch, where run-making was becoming difficult as the innings progressed, the two spin-bowling all-rounders clubbed Keemo Paul for 20 runs in the last over of the innings.

“Pitch was going to be good to bat on early on,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation. “New ball was coming on nicely. We set up a good foundation. [It was a] Good finish from Jadeja and Krunal to get us past 160. The way we were going, could have got to 180, but pitch slowed down considerably in latter half.”

West Indies, in pursuit of the target, could manage only 98 for 4 in the 15.3 overs before rain stopped play. Krunal, who had scored an unbeaten 13-ball 20, returned to pick 2 for 23 for 3.3 overs and was adjudged the Player of the Match for his all-round show. The all-rounder said the confidence after his good showing with the bat translated on to his bowling.

“I’ve been playing this role in IPL as well, and in domestic cricket as well,” Krunal said. “When you bat at No.6-7, sometimes you click, sometimes you don’t. Today I was lucky enough to hit two good shots. But it helps when you have scored some runs. I’m happy the way I bowled as well. The confidence carried over with the bat helps.