IND vs WI: 2nd ODI Review – Prasidh four-fer seals series for hosts
Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna registered impressive figures of 4/12 as India sealed the 2nd ODI against West Indies by 44 runs. The hosts have taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the 3-match ODI series.
The Pant Experiment
Earlier in the day, West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Interestingly, Rishabh Pant came out to open alongside skipper Rohit Sharma, while comeback man KL Rahul was slotted in the middle-order. The move didn’t really work as both openers perished inside 40 runs. Both Pant and Virat Kohli fell to Odean Smith, who found his way in the playing XI as Kieron Pollard’s replacement. The move to open with Pant may not have fully worked this time around, but it was an insightful indication of Team India’s plans for the near future, with regards to their batters.
Having lost 3 quick wickets early on, the Indian ship was steadied by Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul, who added 91 runs for the 4th wicket. While Rahul fell one run short of his half-century, Surya fell on 64 – his highest ODI score. Crucial lower-order contributions from Washington Sundar and Deepak Hooda guided India to a low but respectable total of 237/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
The Magic of Prasidh Krishna
Chasing the tricky total, West Indies started well with the likes of Shai Hope, Brandon Kings and Shamarh Brooks getting starts but none of them could play an innings of substance. From the lower order, Akeal Hosein and Odean Smith scored 34 and 24 runs respectively. However, their efforts weren’t enough as the hosts emerged victorious in the end, thanks to some smart captaincy tactics and bowling changes from Rohit.
Top Performers
Odean Smith
With Kieron Pollard sustaining a niggle, Odean Smith got a chance in this game and he made it count. The right-arm pacer bowled a stellar spell, taking key wickets of Kohli and Pant and pushed India on the backfoot. Coming out to bat at number nine, Smith also scored a quick-fire 24 that almost took the Windies over the line.
Prasidh Krishna
This tall and lanky speedster is staking a claim in India’s first-choice playing XI. Krishna breathed fire with the ball and broke the backbone of West Indies’ batting line-up. He took four wickets in nine overs and conceded just 12 runs. Needless to mention, the 25-year-old was named the Player of the Match for his impressive outing.
What’s next?
With India clinching the series 2-0, the third and last ODI is a mere dead rubber. The encounter takes place on Friday (January 11) in Ahmedabad and India won’t mind recording a clean sweep.
