India spinner Kuldeep Yadav, on Wednesday, admitted that bowling in the dew during the tied second ODI against Windies was a big problem.
Not many would have given Windies a chance of going far in their chase after India ended their innings on an imposing 321 for 6. Another masterclass from Virat Kohli (157 not out) helped India recover from 40 for 2 and post a good total.
In reply, West Indies were off to a shaky start. Kieran Powell, who had scored a fifty in the first game, was out for just 18. Chandrapaul Hemraj and Marlon Samuels also failed to score big as Windies found themselves three down for just 78.
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But once Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope joined hands in the middle, the game turned on its head. While Hetmyer launched a stunning counterassault, Hope played the role of second fiddle to perfection. The duo added 143 runs for the fourth wicket to revive the chase. Yuzvendra Chahal ended the stand by dismissing Hetmyer. But by then the 20-year old had inflicted enough damage on the hosts by slamming 94 off just 64.
The dismissal, however, did not bring any respite for Windies as Hope continued to bat with authority. He soon reached his century despite running out of partners from one end. The equation was finally down to 5 from 1 and Hope hit Umesh Yadav for a four to secure a deserved draw for his side.
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And after the game, Kuldeep Yadav, who was India’s most successful bowler with 3 wickets, said that dew made things tougher for the bowlers.
“It was very difficult to bowl in the dew, the square was quick and there the got ball wet. I was having difficulty gripping the ball. But you have to consider these situations, we need to practice a lot,” Kukdeep told reporters at the post-match press conference.
“Considering the situation they were in at one point when they (West Indies) were cruising, we are happy as a a bowling unit. With the dew also there, I think we did a good job,” he added.
Kuldeep concluded with a word of praise for Hetmyer, saying:
“Hetmyer is playing brilliantly, it was very difficult to bowl to him. I was trying to contain him, was really on to him and trying to get him out. He was not comfortable against me but a couple of sixes he hit changed the course.”
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