India and West Indies level before third T20I in Indore

India and West Indies are level at 1-1 ahead of the third match in their five-game T20I series, scheduled for October 11 at Holkar Stadium in Indore. The winner will take the lead with two matches remaining after the third game. West Indies drew level with a six-wicket victory in Ranchi, chasing India’s 249 for 5 by reaching 252 for 4 in 18.3 overs. It was their highest successful chase in men’s T20Is. Captain Shai Hope made an unbeaten 102, while Sherfane Rutherford scored 84 as the pair’s 120-run partnership turned the chase in the visitors’ favour. India had won the opener in Lucknow by eight wickets. Shreyas Iyer made an unbeaten century in that match, while Sanju Samson’s 82 off 41 balls was a highlight of India’s innings in Ranchi. India’s batting has produced substantial totals, but the second-match defeat put its bowling under scrutiny after West Indies reached the target with nine balls to spare. India coach Gautam Gambhir said the team needed to find a way to stop opposition batters after taking early wickets. The hosts will seek a more effective bowling performance in Indore, while West Indies will look to build on their successful chase.