WI vs IND, 4th T20I: Shubman Gill finds form, level India’s record-partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal
Shubman Gill ended his rare run-drought in India’s must-win fourth T20I against West Indies, hitting 77 off 47 balls at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill on Saturday (August 12).
Gill, who has so far played in all the matches on the tour of West Indies, struggled to score runs. Despite amassing only 187 runs in two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is, the Indian management continued to have faith in their opener Gill. And that trust paid off in the crucial fourth T20I.
Gill, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, levelled India’s record-partnership in T20Is with their 165-run stand for the opening wicket. They have equalled KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma’s feat which they achieved against Sri Lanka in 2017. They are followed by Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma’s 160-run stand against Ireland (2018), Dhawan and Rohit’s 158-run stand against New Zealand (2017) and Rahul and Rohit’s 140-run stand against Afghanistan (2021).
In a remarkable turnaround, India surged back to level the T20I series against West Indies 2-2 with a dominant performance in the 4th T20I match held at Lauderhill, Florida. Young Indian openers Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal stole the show, amassing a colossal 165-run opening partnership – a record joint-highest for India in the T20I format. Gill’s fiery 77 off 47 balls ensured India’s triumph in the must-win encounter.
The duo’s onslaught left the Windies bowlers reeling, with only Romario Shepherd managing to claim a solitary wicket. Impressive batting from Shai Hope (45 off 29) and a late surge from Shimron Hetmyer (61 off 39) guided West Indies to a competitive total 178/8. However, they struggled to find a balance between aggressive scoring and wicket conservation throughout their innings.
India’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav, fought back valiantly, managing to restrict the Windies batters’ progress at key moments. Mukesh Kumar, introduced as a death over specialist, made a significant impact by dismantling Jason Holder with a well-executed yorker.
The resurgent Indian team has managed to claw their way back into the series after being down 0-2 in the initial stages. Their sensational comeback sets the stage for an exhilarating series decider on August 13 at the same venue. If India secure victory in the final match, they will etch their name in history by becoming the first team to overturn a 0-2 deficit and emerge triumphant in a 5-match T20I series.
