India vs. West Indies: Venkatesh Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav were on a six-game hit streak in the 3rd T20I as India hit 86 in the last 5 overs, their best performance to date in the death overs in the game’s shortest format.
Suryakumar Yadav and Venkatesh Iyer smashed a 91-run streak in the 3rd T20I against the West Indies in no time (AP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Suryakumar Yadav hit a 31-ball 65 in the 3rd T20I on Sunday
- He hit 7 sixes and a border in an entertaining show in Kolkata
- India scored 184 after scoring 86 in the last 5 overs in the 3rd T20I
All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer was in awe of his batting partner Suryakumar Yadav after the duo set the Eden Gardens on fire with a stunning show of big hits in Sunday’s 3rd T20I against the West Indies at Eden Gardens. Suryakymar and Iyer sewed a 91-run partnership for the 5th wicket in just 37 balls as India went 184/5 in 20 overs despite a top-flight failure in Kolkata.
Suryakumar continued his good form and took his big hit show to a new level as he smashed 7 sixes and a limit on his 31-ball 65. The Mumbai Indians batsman was in full swing as he hit the West Indian bowlers in every part of the ground in Kolkata. Suryakumar pulled out his signature pick-up shot when he got to his knees and hit one from the offside with a fine leg in one of the overs thrown by left-arm pacer Dominic Drakes.
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There were many flashy shots off the blade as Suryakumar gave the Kolkata crowd their share in a spectacular display of big punches.
India teetered at 93/4 in 13.5 overs, but Suryakumar and Venkatesh Iyer countered and sewed a 91-run stand that took India’s total to over 180. Iyer went unbeaten on 35 balls from just 19 and played his part in the partnership, but he said he enjoyed watching his batting partner from the best spot in the ground.
“More than I enjoyed my hitting, I enjoyed his hitting. Really happy to have contributed to the partnership. I think there’s an air of grace in every punch from him. There’s a thought behind every shot he plays, even if it looks pleasing to the eye. That sets him apart from the others,” said Venkatesh.
“That shot down the side of his leg is great. My shot was on the card and it was Surya’s idea to shuffle and scoop it,” he added.
Suryakumar and Iyer’s fireworks meant India achieved their best batting performance to date in the death overs, hitting 86 runs in their last 5 overs and surpassing the 80 they scored as Yuvraj Singh in the 2007 T20 World Cup against England freaked out in Durban.
Earlier in the day, Rohit Sharma gave up his opening spot to place Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan at the top. Ruturaj folded for 4, however, with Ishan fighting for his 34-ball 31 again.
Rohit, who batted in 4th place, failed to find momentum and only managed 7 runs from 15 balls before Iyer and Suryakumar took over and decimated the West Indies’ attack.
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