Focus Keyword: IND vs WI
The final day of the second Test between India and West Indies in Delhi promises a swift, celebratory finish for the hosts. Yet, Day 4 belonged entirely to the visitors, who, against all odds, showcased a spine of steel to delay India’s victory parade. The IND vs WI clash, expected to be a formality, turned into a masterclass in grit from the Caribbean side.
Table of Contents
- West Indies’ Stunning Resurgence
- India on the Brink of Victory
- Key Performers Who Shaped Day 4
- What to Expect on the Final Day
West Indies’ Stunning Resurgence
Trailing by a massive 270 runs after India’s first-innings total of 518/5 declared, West Indies were staring down the barrel of a humiliating defeat. However, they responded with a performance that defied logic and showcased their fighting spirit.
Twin centuries from opener John Campbell and captain Shai Hope formed the bedrock of their second innings. Their partnership wasn’t just about runs; it was a statement of intent, a refusal to be rolled over. They found a true ally in a pitch that, while offering some assistance to the spinners, allowed the batsmen to play their shots if they showed patience.
The drama didn’t end there. With the ninth wicket down, West Indies were still 11 runs short of making India bat again. What followed was a nerve-wracking, unbroken 50-run partnership for the final wicket between Akeal Hosein and Shamar Joseph. This incredible last-stand not only secured their follow-on avoidance but also set India a target of 121 runs to win .
India on the Brink of Victory
Chasing a modest 121, India’s openers came out with clear intent. However, the West Indian bowlers, led by the fiery Shamar Joseph, ensured they didn’t have it all their own way. India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early, ending the day at 63/1 .
This leaves the hosts needing just 58 more runs on the final day to secure a 2-0 series whitewash. The task is straightforward, but the memory of West Indies’ tenacity on Day 4 will serve as a reminder to not take anything for granted.
Key Performers Who Shaped Day 4
| Player | Team | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Shai Hope | West Indies | Scored a defiant century, anchoring the innings under pressure. |
| John Campbell | West Indies | Provided a solid start with a well-made century of his own. |
| Akeal Hosein & Shamar Joseph | West Indies | Added an unbroken 50 for the 10th wicket to set a target. |
| KL Rahul | India | Unbeaten on 25*, steering the chase calmly at stumps . |
What to Expect on the Final Day
For India, the morning session on Day 5 is a mere formality. Barring an extraordinary collapse, they will wrap up the match and the series comfortably. The focus will be on celebrating a job well done and looking ahead to their next challenge.
For West Indies, the result is secondary. Their performance on Day 4 has restored pride and shown a glimpse of their potential. The question now is whether they can carry this newfound resilience into future contests. Their fightback has been the real story of this Test, turning a potential rout into a contest that will be remembered for its heart and soul.
IND vs WI: A Series of Contrasts
This series has highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides, but also the unpredictable nature of Test cricket. India’s dominance with the bat, especially in their first innings, was clinical. West Indies’ response, while ultimately not enough to save the match, was a powerful display of character that has given their fans something to cheer about.