Fort Lauderdale – Brandon King lashed a career-best unbeaten half-century as West Indies thrashed India by eight wickets to notch their first Twenty20 International cricket series win over the Asian giants in seven years.
Tasked with overhauling 166 in the decisive fifth game at Central Broward Regional Park yesterday, West Indies galloped to their target with two overs to spare, to finally end their series drought against the Indians with a 3-2 verdict.
Opener King was at the forefront of the run chase, top-scoring with 85 not out off 55 deliveries with five fours and half-dozen sixes, marking his seventh fifty in his 40th game of the format.
Crucially, King put on 107 for the second wicket with Man-of-the-Series Nicholas Pooran, whose 47 required 35 balls and included one four and four sixes.
The partnership turned the game in West Indies’ favour after Kyle Mayers’ poor run continued when he perished for only 10 with 12 runs on the board in the second over.
Summarised scores: India 165 for nine off 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 61, Tilak Varma 27; Romario Shepherd 4-27, Akeal Hosein 2-24, Jason Holder 2-36). West Indies 171 for two off 18 overs (Brandon King 85 not out, Nicholas Pooran 47, Shai Hope 22 not out). West Indies won by eight wickets.