India set a blistering new record by registering their fastest team fifty in men’s T20I cricket, reaching the milestone in just 2.5 overs against the West Indies in the fifth and final T20I in Bengaluru. However, persistent rain eventually forced the series decider to be abandoned, leaving the hard-fought five-match series locked at 2–2.
India shattered their previous record of reaching 50 runs in 3 overs, which they had set against the same opponents in Hyderabad earlier in the year. Their latest feat also outpaced previous milestones, including team fifties achieved in 3.1 overs against New Zealand, 3.2 overs against Pakistan, and 3.3 overs against Afghanistan.
Blistering Powerplay Onslaught
Despite losing an early wicket, India raced to 14 runs in the opening over alone, which featured five wides, a no-ball, and a massive six. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan then took charge against Romario Shepherd, plundering 24 runs in the second over to push India to 38/1.
Kishan continued his aggressive assault against Shamar Joseph, hitting a boundary before Sanju Samson officially brought up the team fifty with a four off the same bowler in 2.5 overs.
However, the West Indies fought back resiliently with regular wickets. Kishan departed for 30, Samson fell for 16, and captain Shreyas Iyer chipped in with 22 off 14 balls before Shamar Springer struck to remove Tilak Varma for seven.
Naman Dhir’s Late Fireworks Cut Short by Rain
Naman Dhir injected fresh momentum into the innings after walking in during the seventh over. He made an explosive start, launching his very first delivery from Keemo Paul for a six followed by a four, and quickly raced to 17 off just four balls.
His quickfire cameo propelled India past the 100-run mark inside the seventh over. Shortly after India reached 108/5 in 7.4 overs, the light drizzle intensified into heavy rain.
With the weather refusing to relent, the match was temporarily reduced via the DLS method, setting the West Indies a revised target of 85 runs in five overs. However, with the rain persisting, both sets of players shook hands, and the match was officially called off.
The unfortunate washout denied a thrilling finish to the series, cementing a 2–2 tie between two evenly matched sides.