Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: Jio Cinema)
India’s start to the fifth and final T20I against West Indies was not ideal as openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill were dismissed cheaply within powerplay. In what was a do-or-die game for both sides, West Indies started off on a high note as Akeal Hosein dismissed the previous game’s match-winners – Gill and Jaiswal.
Being 0-2 down in the five-match series, the Men in Blue managed to clinch magnificent victories in the third and fourth T20Is, thereby leveling the series 2-2. The fourth game at Lauderhill saw Gill and Jaiswal stitch a record-equalling 165-run opening partnership which helped India chase down the 179-run target with ease.
In the very first over of today’s game, Jaiswal attempted for a switch hit but missed connecting the bat, which led to the ball landing into the hands of the bowler Akeal Hosein. After scoring an unbeaten 84* in the previous game, Jaiswal failed to create an impact as India finished the first over at 6/1.
Gill, in the third over, walked off the pitch after being given out by the on-field umpire, without reviewing the decision. The ball-tracker later showed that the 23-year-old was actually not-out, as the ball wasn’t hitting the stumps. As a result, India were reduced to 17/2 at the end of the third over.
The two quick wickets brought Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma on the field. Notably, the duo performed brilliantly in the third T20I, helping the Men in Blue clinch their first victory of the series. The Indian team, and the fans, will be hoping for Suryakumar and Varma to repeat similar heroics in the ongoing game as well.
With the series leveled at 2-2, the winner of the fifth T20I will clinch the series 3-2. Both teams have put up fine performances in the four concluded games so far, and the players will be motivated to take their side over the finish line.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Jaiswal and Gill’s early dismissals:
Shubman Gill dismissed for 9 in 9 balls.
Where is Gujurat pitch……
⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️India batting collapse 💔💔.#ShubmanGill#IshanKishan #Viratkohli #YashasviJaiswal #SuryakumarYadav #RohitSharma #INDvsWI #BCCI #IndianCricket #WIvsIND pic.twitter.com/G6XNV4t4Uq
— Sports and Newspaper (@p36242) August 13, 2023
Yashasvi Jaiswal perishes in the first over. But a great approach from him. Switch hit on the second ball is something else. If he keeps this up he’ll one of the most destrutive batsmen India will ever produce.#INDvsWI #YashasviJaiswal