Lendl Simmons
Lendl Simmons (Credits: ESPNcricinfo)

Senior opener Lendl Simmons scored an unbeaten fifty in the do-or-die game as West Indies defeated India by eight wickets to draw level in the three-match series. After failing to defend 207 in the first T20I, West Indies needed to win the second one and the reigning world champions came up with an impressive all round show to beat their fancied hosts.

Asked to bat first India were off to a poor start as openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma departed cheaply. However, Shivam Dube, who was promoted at number three, slammed 54 off just 30 balls to put India in a good position. But once he departed after scoring his maiden T20 fifty, India failed to continue the momentum.

With Virat Kohli also failing to score big, India’s task became even more tougher. Rishabh Pant did score 33 but took 21 balls for the same. The likes of Shreyas Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja also failed to score quick runs as India finished on 170 for 7.

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In reply, West Indies chased down the total by losing just 2 wickets and with 9 balls remaining. Lendl Simmons anchored the chase superbly as he added 73 runs and 39 runs with Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer respectively. He then played the role of second fiddle to Nicholas Pooran who blasted 38 off just 18 to his team home.

Speaking after the game, Lendl Simmons said he likes to play against India. He also opened up on his game-plan in T20I, saying:

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“Like playing against India, good challenge. Haven’t played international cricket for a while, good to be back on the circuit. Those guys can go at it from ball one. I’m a bit old school. Take my time initially. Understand my role in the team. My job in the powerplay is to go hard. Easier to bat outside the powerplay, knock the ball around. Once you get in on that wicket, can play your shots.”

The third and final T20I will take place in Mumbai on December 11. The win, meanwhile, ended West Indies’ seven-match losing streak against India in T20Is.

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