India and the West Indies were forced to settle for a 2-2 stalemate in their fiercely contested five-match Twenty20 International series after Saturday’s highly anticipated deciding fixture came to an abrupt, watery end. The match at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium lasted a mere 48 minutes before torrential rain rendered the pitch unplayable.

Proceedings at the venue—hosting its first international fixture since the October 2024 Test match between India and New Zealand—began an hour and 45 minutes behind schedule due to early weather delays. Consequently, the game was reduced to nine overs per side, testing the adaptability of both squads in front of more than 20,000 expectant fans who braved the inclement conditions.

The supporters' patience was initially rewarded as India’s batting lineup unleashed an aggressive onslaught after being put in by West Indies captain Shai Hope. Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and the standout Naman Dhir—who aggressively smashed an unbeaten 24 runs off just six deliveries—set a blistering pace on the field.

India accumulated eight fours and seven sixes during their shortened stint, highlighted by Kishan striking Romario Shepherd’s delivery high over long leg and entirely out of the stadium to mark the 100th six of the series. However, the skies opened up once more, emphatically washing away any mathematical prospect of a decisive outcome and locking in the series deadlock.

Source: www.aljazeera.com