Prasidh Krishna returned impressive figures of 4-12 to condemn the West Indies to a 44-run defeat to India as the hosts took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the One Day International (ODI) series today (February 9).

India struggled against the West Indies bowling attack in their 50 overs, reaching 237-9 after 64 from Suryakumar Yadav and 49 from KL Rahul on a two-paced Ahmedabad track.

However, the West Indies never looked comfortable in pursuing the total as they slipped to 76-5 after 22 overs, leaving an improbable chase that Krishna’s brilliance ended with four overs to spare.

India won the first ODI on Sunday by six wickets, meaning they have already secured the series victory with one match left to play.

MIDDLE-ORDER BATTLE

Sharma (five) and Rishabh Pant (18) failed to provide early impetus on a slow wicket, while Virat Kohli (18) struggled in similar fashion as India slumped to 43-3 from 12 overs. Kemar Roach (1-42) and Odean Smith (2-29) doing the early damage.

But Rahul’s 49 from 48 balls before being run out and Yadav scored quickly in a 90-run fourth-wicket partnership until the latter’s dismissal by Fabian Allen.

Some more middle-order battle from Washington Sundar (24) and Deepak Hooda (29) ensured India finished with a respectable total.

In the West Indies reply, Krishna took three early wickets with Shamarh Brooks (44) and Akeal Hosein (34) the only West Indies batters to get to grips with the surface.

However, once Brooks and Hosein fell to Hooda and Shardul Thakur respectively, Nicholas Pooran’s side rarely looked like making a contest of the game, with Krishna dismissing Kemar Roach lbw to seal victory with 24 balls to spare.