West Indies have built a reputation for power-hitting in T20 cricket, with legendary players such as Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell making their mark over the years. The current generation has continued that tradition, keeping the team among the most dangerous sides in the shortest format.
Their latest outing against India brought another significant moment in the history of men’s T20I cricket. Although the visitors fell short in the chase, their performance saw them achieve a feat no other team had managed before.
West Indies reach a landmark in men’s T20I cricket
West Indies entered the third T20I with 1,997 sixes to their name in the format. They struck 13 more during the match to become the first team in men’s T20I cricket to cross the 2,000-six mark. Several batters contributed to the milestone during the chase.
Shimron Hetmyer scored 43 off 26 balls, while Kamil Pooran made 42 off 27 deliveries and smashed three sixes in a single over. Sherfane Rutherford added 32 runs, while Shamar Springer provided a late burst with an unbeaten 35 off just 11 balls, including four sixes.
India hold off West Indies despite late charge
Earlier, India posted 223 runs before being bowled out, with Abhishek Sharma leading the charge through a 30-ball 69. Ishan Kishan also made a quickfire 37 off 18 deliveries. Abhishek struck five sixes and six fours, becoming the fastest batter to reach 2,000 runs in men’s T20Is.
West Indies finished on 209/7, falling 14 runs short. Arshdeep Singh claimed three wickets and earned Player of the Match honours as India successfully defended a total for the first time on the tour. India were also closing in on the same six-hitting landmark, sitting around 1,997 sixes after the match. They could reach it in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on October 14, while New Zealand remain further behind with approximately 1,585 sixes.
