More runs on the board: India eye T20I series win against West Indies

HYDERABAD: High-scoring games have been the norm in the white-ball series between India and West Indies and Wednesday should be no different when the two batting-heavy teams clash in the fourth T20 International at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium.With India 2-1 up in the five-match series, the hosts will look to seal the series. India began with a comfortable win, chasing down 172 inside 15 overs, powered by captain Shreyas Iyer’s maiden T20I century. But the hosts were stunned in the second match despite posting 249, as Shai Hope’s unbeaten century helped West Indies draw level in a record chase. India regained the lead by winning in the third game.India’s formidable top order, featuring Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, will once again be vital to their fortunes. Abhishek’s explosive starts and Kishan’s consistency have given India the momentum. Both will be on familiar territory, as they play for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL. In fact, it was the strong start that gave India a winning score in the last two games.Samson will be under pressure to deliver consistently with youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi breathing down his neck. After scores of 11, 82 and 3, Samson needs another big score. The middle order, with the likes of Iyer, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy, has plenty of firepower.India’s bowling unit will need to find ways to contain the visitors’ power-hitters. Mayank Yadav has impressed with both pace and control, while Naman Dhir has proved to be a good option. Arshdeep Singh’s wickets in the previous match and Axar Patel’s presence add depth to the attack. Prince Yadav, who replaced Kuldeep Yadav in the previous game, will be keen to make an impact and strengthen his case.West Indies will look to their power-packed batting line-up to keep the series alive. Hope, with 159 runs, has been a key contributor, along with Sherfane Rutherford (172 runs), who is striking the ball brilliantly. Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Kamil Pooran and Sprinter give the visitors plenty of firepower down the order.In a game dominated by batters, Roston Chase stood tall with his off-spin. He consistently troubled the bighitting Indian batters throughout the series.Indian vice-captain and local boy Tilak said that they were wary of West Indies’ big hitters. “West Indies batters are very dangerous. If you think you can win the match by taking three or four wickets, that is not possible. They are so strong after playing so much franchise cricket, they are relentless. So, you need to take all the wickets or keep them silent,” said Tilak.Tilak, who had a lot of success at the top of the order, revealed that he is happy to contribute wherever the team requires. “I am happy to do the role I am given, whether it is going from ball one at the death or the rebuilding act. My goal is to perform for the team’s victory,” he revealed.Meanwhile, West Indies coach Darren Sammy thinks that restricting India in powerplay is crucial. “The difference that prevented us from going 2-1 up was the powerplay. Even though we bowled them out, they got a total that could be defended,” said Sammy.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.