Full Breakdown
Rain-Interrupted Finale Leaves India-West Indies T20I Series Even at 2-2
By Drooid · · How we work
Decisive Match Cut Short by Weather
The fifth and deciding Twenty20 International at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium began at 9:15 p.m. after a nearly two-hour delay and was reduced to nine overs per side. West Indies won the toss and chose to bowl. India reached 118-5 in 7.4 overs, with Ishan Kishan scoring 30 off 10 balls and Naman Dhir unbeaten on 24 from six deliveries. At 10:21 p.m., persistent rain forced officials to abandon play, ending the match after 48 minutes and leaving the series tied 2-2. No five-over shootout could be staged.
Series Context and Recent Form
The contest was the culmination of a five-match series in which each side had won two games. India claimed victories in the first and third T20Is (Lucknow and Indore) by eight wickets and 14 runs, respectively, while West Indies responded with wins in the second and fourth matches (Ranchi and Hyderabad) by six wickets and 24 runs. West Indies captain Shai Hope recorded two centuries and was named player of the series. The teams had also faced each other in a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series earlier, which India won 2-1.
Key Personnel and Squad Adjustments
Ahead of the rain-affected finale, India’s cricket board announced the addition of fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the squad as cover for Arshdeep Singh, who remained doubtful after a shoulder injury sustained during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad. The move marked Kumar’s return to the national T20I setup after nearly four years.
Statistical Snapshot
- Match overs per side: 9 (reduced from 20)
- India’s score at abandonment: 118-5 in 7.4 overs
- Top Indian scorers: Ishan Kishan 30 (10 balls), Naman Dhir 24* (6 balls)
- West Indies bowlers: Shamar Springer 1/17 in 1.4 overs (most wickets)
Upcoming Commitments
Following the series, India will travel to New Zealand for a five-match T20I series, five ODIs and two Tests, with the T20Is slated to begin on October 22. West Indies are scheduled to tour Bangladesh for two Tests later in October.
