Twitter Reactions: West Indies defeat sloppy India to level the series

West Indies have defeated India by eight wickets in the second T20I of the three-match series. The Caribbeans were exceptional on the day both with the bat and ball and deserved to win the game. India, on the other hand, were extremely sloppy in the field. They dropped the catches early on reprieve Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis and it cost them the game eventually.

Defending 171, India started off well with the ball. They should’ve sent back both the West Indies openers, but poor fielding let the opening stand grow up to 73 runs by the 10th over. Lewis scored 40 runs before getting out and then Simmons took control of the game playing some gorgeous shots coupled with power.

None of the Indian bowlers was spared as dew also played its part. Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran also batted superbly which allowed Simmons to play his game and ensure that there were no hiccups in the chase. West Indies gunned down the total in the 19th over itself as Pooran finished the match with a boundary.

While Simmons remained unbeaten on 67, the left-handed Pooran smashed 38 off just 18 runs. Hetmyer also scored an enterprising 23 before Virat Kohli took a stunner at long-on to send him back.

Shivam Dube shines with the bat for India

While the focus was on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli when India came out to bat, Shivam Dube hogged the limelight. He was surprisingly promoted to number three after KL Rahul fell early and the move worked wonders. The southpaw struggled to force the issue early on and at one stage, was on 12 off 14 deliveries. But a heated moment with Kieron Pollard sparked the brilliance in him.

He smacked the West Indies skipper for three sixes in a single over and also went on to register his maiden T20I half-century. Dube scored 54 runs off just 30 deliveries with three fours and four sixes before getting out. By the time, he was dismissed, India were going along nicely. But then the rest of the batsmen struggled to up the ante.

Rishabh Pant looked impressive during 33-run knock. However, he got out at the wrong time and India could muster only 20 runs in the last three overs of the innings. West Indies bowlers varied the pace well and restricted the home side to 170 runs for the loss of seven wickets after 20 overs. And the last three overs eventually made the difference as the Caribbeans chased down the total comfortably to level the series.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

This guy Pooran 🤷🏼‍♂️.. ( special )

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) December 8, 2019

India need to prepare good bowling unit which can defend any target. #kulcha and bumrah will help the cause but need other bowlers to step up #worldcup2020 #INDvsWI

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 8, 2019

It's not so much this victory (though that is very important), but the way this west indies team is playing and the potential they seem to have that should please many fans.

— Ian bishop (@irbishi) December 8, 2019

I thought the chase would be more difficult. Yes, the ball was a bit moist, but can't let that take away from an excellent West Indies run chase

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 8, 2019

That’s a solid win for West Indies, they beat India in a T20I after June 2017 #INDvsWI

— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) December 8, 2019

SuperV @imVkohli #WhataCatch #whatAplayer #INDvsWI

— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) December 8, 2019

Outstanding chase by WI. Well played 👏👏Made difficult task look easy. Such fantastic potential and calibre, especially in batting! Should be top of ICC ranking in this format, not at the bottom, if they set their minds on it and develop self belief

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) December 8, 2019

Nicolas pooran 🔥 proper player !!! Wow

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) December 8, 2019

Yes WI can! A thriller of a decider awaits! #WhistlePodu #INDvWI 🦁💛

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 8, 2019

Most consecutive T20I wins for India against an opponent:

8 v Bangladesh, 2009-18
7 v Australia, 2013-17
7 v Sri Lanka, 2016-17
7 v West Indies, 2018-19* (Ended today)#INDvWI

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) December 8, 2019

India needs to keep batting first and work a plan out. 73 of the last 10 changed the game. Should have been 200. Then things could have been diff. Chase has been worked out. Setting a total is the issue.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) December 8, 2019

For all the good work done by Bharat Arun with the bowlers in Tests, not quite reflecting in the blues. India without Bumrah look an ordinary bowling attack. Plenty to ponder imo

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) December 8, 2019

Rohit it hurts me as a fan

Last 9 T20I Innings at Home

4, 5, 12, 9, 9, 85, 2, 8, 15#INDvWI @ImRo45

— Lavkesh Mudgal (@LavkeshMudgal) December 8, 2019

#INDvWI #TeamIndia #SanjuSamson #AskStar 2 things they have to do in the last match:-
1st Shami instead of sundar
2nd Improve their fielding

— Baburao Ganpatrao Apte 😉 (@BaburaoApte0718) December 8, 2019

I like how Windies are playing responsible cricket in this series. Combine this composure with their usual power hitting, and you get a well performing team. Well done @windiescricket ! Congratulations on the win and for taking the series to a decider in Mumbai.#INDvsWI #INDvWI

— Sangita Khandual 🇮🇳 (@SangitaHermione) December 8, 2019