With teams focusing a lot of their energy on Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King flew under the radar: Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa and Bradon King. (Photo Source: Twitter)

West Indies outplayed Team India in the rain-marred fifth T20I by eight wickets to clinch the five-game series 3-2 at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill on Sunday, August 13. Notably, this marked West Indies’ first-ever T20I series win against India in six years.

Veteran India batter Robin Uthappa was full of praise for the Windies players for their joint effort in the final game to end the series on a high note. He specifically however lauded West Indies opener, Brandon King, for his match-winning knock of 85* off 55 deliveries.

“Comprehensive victory from West Indies. They started well with the bat and continued to score in the same run-rate.

“Kudos to West Indies and especially Brandon King. Started a little slow with the bat and as he played more balls he grew into the game. With teams focusing a lot of their energy on Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King flew under the radar and hurt India,” Uthappa said on Jio Cinema.

West Indies beat India by eight wickets in fifth T20I

Speaking of the game, India skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and decided to bat first. The decision backfired, as India openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill were sent back to the pavilion for paltry scores of 5 and 9, respectively. However, the No. 1 T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav spearheaded India’s innings, scoring 61 off 45 and helping his side post 165 runs. Romario Shepherd was crucial for the hosts, as he finished with figures of 4/31 in his four-over spell.

In reply, Brandon King led the charge of West Indies, scoring an unbeaten 85 runs. He along with Nicholas Pooran produced a 107-run stand for the second wicket after the hosts lost opener Kyle Mayers in the very second over of their innings. Later Shai Hope came in and scored an unbeaten 22 runs as the Rovwman Powell-led side won the game by eight wickets with 12 balls to spare.