Batting first in first T20I of the five-match series, skipper Rohit set up the platform with his 44-ball 64. However, it was wicketkeeper Karthik’s blazing finish – an unbeaten 41 off 19 balls – that took India to 190-6.
In the last three overs of their innings, Indian batters scored 45 runs and it ultimately became the turning point of the match.
On a track where there was spongy bounce with a bit of turn and grip, Indian spinners Ravichandran Ashwin (2/22), Ravindra Jadeja (1/26) and Ravi Bishnoi (2/26) picked up wickets at regular intervals, restricting the hosts at 122 for eight in their stipulated 20 overs.
Fast bowlers, Arshdeep Singh (2/24) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/11), also shared two wickets among them. For West Indies, opener Shamarh Brooks turned out to be the highest run scorer with just 20 runs off 15 balls.
Brief scores: India 190-6 in 20 overs (Rohit Sharma 64, Dinesh Karthik 41 not out; Alzarri Joseph 2-46) beat West Indies 122/8 in 20 overs (Shamarh Brooks 20; R Ashwin 2/22, Arshdeep Singh 2/24, Ravi Bishnoi 2/26) by 68 runs.
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