West Indies fall 14 runs short as India take 2-1 lead in T20 series

INDORE, India. India beat West Indies by 14 runs in the third T20 international at the Holkar Cricket Stadium to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

India made 223 for seven, led by Abhishek Sharma's 69 off 30 balls. West Indies replied with 209 for seven.

The hosts scored 87 in the powerplay despite losing Sanju Samson for three, with Sharma reaching his half-century off just 18 balls, including five fours and four sixes.

Chase sparks collapse

Roston Chase pulled West Indies back by dismissing Ishan Kishan for 37 and captain Shreyas Iyer for one. Shamar Springer and Gudakesh Motie then removed Sharma and Naman Dhir, leaving India on 135 for five in the 11th over.

Contributions from Tilak Varma (28), Nitish Kumar Reddy (21), Axar Patel (20) and Prince Yadav (13 not out) nevertheless lifted India to a competitive total.

Chase finished with two for 38, while Springer and Joseph also took two wickets each.

Late surge not enough

West Indies started poorly when Arshdeep Singh dismissed captain Shai Hope for seven. Shimron Hetmyer made 43 off 26 balls in a 60-run partnership with Kamil Pooran before India struck twice, removing Hetmyer and Rovman Powell to leave the visitors on 82 for three in the 10th over.

With the required rate climbing to 15 an over, Sherfane Rutherford's 32 and Springer's unbeaten 35 off 11 balls kept West Indies in contention.

But Singh's three for 44 secured the win for India, with Dhir taking two for 39. The teams meet next in the fourth match of the series.