India v West Indies fifth T20I: series level 2-2 before Bengaluru decider on 17 October, 9.30pm Malaysia time
Shai Hope's West Indies and Shreyas Iyer's India meet at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday 17 October with the five-match T20I series tied 2-2.
India and West Indies will settle their five-match Twenty20 International series in Bengaluru on Saturday, 17 October, with the scoreline locked at 2-2 after the tourists won by 24 runs in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The decider at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium starts at 7pm India time, which is 9.30pm in Malaysia. This preview follows on from the fourth T20I, in which Shai Hope's unbeaten century and a Keemo Paul five-wicket haul levelled the series.
How the series has unfolded
The two sides have traded wins all the way through:
- First T20I, Lucknow (6 October): India won by eight wickets.
- Second T20I, Ranchi (9 October): West Indies won by six wickets after chasing down a target of 250.
- Third T20I, Indore (11 October): India won by 14 runs.
- Fourth T20I, Hyderabad (14 October): West Indies won by 24 runs.
Totals have been high for most of the series, which suggests another big-scoring game is possible on a ground known for its short boundaries and quick outfield.
Hope and Paul lead the fightback
The fourth match in Hyderabad was West Indies' most complete performance of the tour. Captain Shai Hope, who also keeps wicket, carried his side to 247 for 3, finishing unbeaten on 102 after reaching three figures with back-to-back sixes late in the innings.
India's reply started quickly through Sanju Samson, who made 56 from 23 balls, but Keemo Paul removed Samson and Ishan Kishan in the same over and went on to take five wickets, the second T20I five-for of his career. India were bowled out for 223.
India's selection questions
Shreyas Iyer leads an India squad that is without Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, which has left the pace attack in the hands of Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav, with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy as an extra seam option. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is also in the squad and could come into the side if India decide to change their seam attack for the decider.
The batting group includes Abhishek Sharma, Samson, Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube and the teenage Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, while Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi provide spin options. India's bowlers conceded more than 240 in both of their defeats, so their death bowling is likely to be the main focus before Saturday's game.
West Indies chase a statement win
For West Indies, a series win in India would be one of their best results in the format in recent years. Their squad is built around power hitting, with Hope supported by Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd. Paul, Shamar Joseph, Matthew Forde and the spin of Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase give Hope plenty of bowling options.
In India, the match is shown on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar. Fans in Malaysia should check local sports streaming services for coverage of the decider.
Key takeaways
- The five-match T20I series between India and West Indies is level at 2-2.
- The decider is at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on Saturday, 17 October, at 7pm IST (9.30pm Malaysia time).
- Shai Hope's unbeaten 102 and Keemo Paul's five-wicket haul gave West Indies a 24-run win in Hyderabad.
- India are without Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, with Shreyas Iyer captaining the side.
FAQ
What time does India v West Indies fifth T20I start in Malaysia? The match starts at 7pm India Standard Time on Saturday, 17 October, which is 9.30pm Malaysia time.
What is the score in the India v West Indies T20I series? The series is tied 2-2. India won in Lucknow and Indore, while West Indies won in Ranchi and Hyderabad.
Who scored a century in the fourth T20I? West Indies captain Shai Hope scored an unbeaten 102 as his side posted 247 for 3 and won by 24 runs in Hyderabad.
Sources: ICC, Al Jazeera, NewsX