Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer was dejected with his bowlers not executing proper lines and lengths as India suffered a 24-run loss in the penultimate T20I against the West Indies in Hyderabad on Wednesday, October 14.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony after India’s loss, Iyer was happy with the team’s batting approach, while he was disappointed with the bowlers not creating an impact, adding that the opposition bowlers did well in the middle overs.
“We didn’t execute our lines and lengths well. Chasing 250, you have to go in a certain power, I liked our approach chasing, unfortunate we didn’t execute plans bowling, that’s where we fell short… We were still going 12 an over at that point [in the PP], a bit to offer from the wicket, they used the field well, credit where it’s due, execution was spot on. Holding more and some bounce as well, their bowlers realised as well, especially in the middle overs,” Iyer said after the loss.
“The fifth one will be an interesting one. [On the surface] getting 220 when we were chasing, you could see the approach and attitude of every individual… Going forward we have to have good execution and mindset,” he added.
In the first innings, the West Indies posted an imposing total of 247/3 in 20 overs, courtesy of Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102 off 50 with four fours and nine sixes at a strike rate of 204. Barring Prince Yadav, all Indian bowlers conceded more than 11 runs per over.
In the chase, India could score 223 before getting all out in 19.3 overs. Sanju Samson (56), Tilak Varma (43) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) were decent enough, but couldn’t take the side over the line. West Indies all-rounder Keemo Paul scalped a five-wicket haul.
