West Indies 76-2 at stumps after India sets daunting target of 365 in 2nd test
On a momentous Sunday at Queen’s Park Oval, the second test match between West Indies and India unfolded with gripping action. India, keen on setting up a dominant position, employed a fast-scoring strategy and confidently declared their innings, putting the pressure on the West Indies side. Consequently, the hosts had the opportunity to bat twice in the match.
As the fourth day progressed, the West Indies team demonstrated a cautious approach during their second innings. They carefully navigated their way through the day, reaching a score of 76 runs for the loss of two wickets in 32 overs by stumps. With eight wickets still intact, the home team faced the daunting task of pursuing a formidable target of 365 runs set by India.
The upcoming final day of the test match holds immense significance as it promises a thrilling showdown, provided the weather cooperates. West Indies will need to display immense resilience and determination to chase down the sizeable target, while India’s bowlers will be determined to deliver a decisive performance to secure victory.
Cricket enthusiasts and fans of both teams eagerly await the final-day action, with the match’s outcome hanging in the balance. The contest between bat and ball, the strategic maneuvers, and the potential twists and turns in the game make for an enthralling spectacle in this high-stakes encounter between West Indies and India.
All eyes are on the players as they gear up for what could be a memorable day of cricketing excellence and intense competition on the field.
In the second test match between West Indies and India at Dominica, the Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has once again proved his prowess on the cricketing field. In the previous one-sided match, he managed to claim an impressive 12 wickets. Continuing his formidable form, Ashwin has already made an impact in the second innings, securing 2 wickets for just 33 runs, a stark improvement from his figures of 1 wicket for 61 runs in the first innings.
Currently, the West Indies openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Jermaine Blackwood are at the crease, with Chanderpaul notching up 24 runs and Blackwood contributing 20 runs to their team’s total.
Ashwin’s consistent performance is posing a significant threat to the West Indies batting lineup, and the home team will need to remain cautious and determined to counter his spinning deliveries. As the match progresses, all eyes will be on Ashwin to see if he can continue his menacing form and help India secure another dominant victory, or if the West Indies batsmen can find a way to neutralize his threat and mount a strong comeback in the contest.
The battle between Ashwin and the West Indies batsmen adds an extra layer of excitement to the match, making it a fascinating spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
In the afternoon session, the cricket match between West Indies and India was affected by the weather, and only three overs could be played. With rain forecasted for Monday, India was likely aiming to secure another victory and complete a series sweep in the two-match series.
However, West Indies put up a resilient fight, making it challenging for the Indian team to break through their batting lineup. One of the standout performances came from West Indies opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who had already faced 98 balls and seemed determined to anchor his team’s innings.
Earlier in the day, West Indies began their first innings at 229-5, still needing 10 runs to avoid the follow-on. They managed to avoid that follow-on risk by pushing their score to 255 before being dismissed. Indian bowler Mohammed Siraj was instrumental in this breakthrough, finishing with impressive bowling figures of 5-60. Among his victims was Jason Holder, who scored 15 runs before falling to Siraj’s delivery.
With the match delicately poised, both teams will be aware of the importance of the remaining play, considering the weather forecast for the final day. India will be eager to make further inroads into the West Indies batting lineup, while the hosts will be determined to thwart the Indian bowlers and put up a competitive total. Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the final day’s action, hoping for an exciting conclusion to this intriguing test match.
In a display of urgency and attacking cricket, India accelerated their second innings at an astonishing rate of 7.5 runs per over. This pace was over three times quicker than West Indies’ response in their second innings. Eventually, India declared their innings at 181-2 after just 24 overs.
Captain Rohit Sharma led the charge with a scintillating knock, scoring 57 runs off 44 deliveries. He displayed his power-hitting prowess by smashing three sixes and five fours before finally being caught by Alzarri Joseph at fine leg off the bowling of pacer Shannon Gabriel. Sharma was fortunate to survive earlier dropped catches, but he made the most of his opportunities.
Spinner Jomel Warrican accounted for the only other Indian wicket, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal who was caught behind. Jaiswal and Sharma combined to form a formidable opening partnership, falling just two runs short of a remarkable 100-run stand. Their partnership was achieved at a rapid pace, with the duo scoring 98 runs in less than 12 overs, putting immense pressure on the West Indies bowlers.
India’s aggressive declaration set an imposing target for West Indies to chase down, adding further excitement to the match’s final stages. With both teams battling fiercely, the final day promises to be a gripping contest, with the outcome hanging in the balance. Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating how the remaining play unfolds, hoping for an exhilarating conclusion to this test match at Dominica.
The first test match in Dominica was a swift affair, concluding in just three days, with West Indies suffering a humiliating innings defeat. However, in the second test match held in Trinidad, the home team showed resilience against India, a team they haven’t defeated in the past 21 years. Despite West Indies’ fightback, India still holds the advantage in the ongoing test.
In their first innings in Trinidad, India displayed their batting prowess, amassing a formidable total of 438 runs. The highlight of the innings was Virat Kohli’s century, his first overseas century since 2018. Kohli’s magnificent knock of 121 runs marked his 29th test century, reaffirming his status as one of the world’s premier batsmen.
Following the two test matches, the teams are scheduled to play a series of limited-overs matches. Three one-day internationals are set to be held, starting in Bridgetown on Thursday, providing an opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills in the shorter format. Additionally, five Twenty20 games are also scheduled, which will surely captivate fans with the thrilling and fast-paced action that T20 cricket offers.
The upcoming limited-overs series is expected to add further excitement to the cricketing calendar, providing fans with an opportunity to witness competitive encounters between West Indies and India across different formats. Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to the forthcoming matches, as the battle between these two cricketing giants continues to enthrall audiences worldwide.
