India clinch series with victory over West Indies
Shimron Hetmyer of West Indies attacks during the fourth Twenty20 International versus India at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida, on Saturday. (Photo: AFP)

LAUDERHILL, United States (AFP) — India advanced their preparation for the next Twenty20 World Cup with a series-clinching, 59-run victory over the West Indies in the fourth fixture of a five-match series at Broward County Stadium in Florida on Saturday.

Defending a formidable total of 191 for five in front of fiercely partisan Indian supporters at the United States venue, Rohit Sharma's side dismissed their opponents for 132 off 19.1 overs.

India take an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the series ahead of the final match at the same venue on Sunday.

Arshdeep Singh led the bowling effort for India, the left-arm medium-pacer continuing to impress with his clever combination of swing and seam to take three for 12, finishing off the match with the wicket of Obed McCoy.

For McCoy, who established a new West Indies bowling record in T20Is with figures of six for 17 in the second match in St Kitts last Monday, this was an especially forgettable experience.

Despite taking two wickets, the left-armer was belted for 66 runs across his four overs, the most expensive spell ever by a West Indies bowler in this format.

India continued with their policy of all-out attack after being put in to bat with Rishabh Pant leading the effort for the top order with 44 off 31 balls.

"We knew it was not going to be easy because of the conditions," said Sharma after the match.

For West Indies Captain Nicholas Pooran, the margin of the defeat was just another reminder of the amount of work required by the two-time former champions ahead of the qualifying phase for the T20 World Cup in Australia in October.

His dismissal for 24, run out after carting left-arm spinner Axar Patel for a succession of boundaries, typified West Indian frustration.

"The series may be over as a contest but the final match gives other players a chance to put their hands up ahead of the World T20," said Pooran in hinting at a number of changes for Sunday's finale.

Now you can read the Jamaica Observer ePaper anytime, anywhere. The Jamaica Observer ePaper is available to you at home or at work, and is the same edition as the printed copy available at https://bit.ly/epaper-login

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Polls

Which long-term investment option is more attractive to you at the moment?