Webdesk: After a record-breaking partnership between openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill against the West Indies on Saturday, Indian skipper Hardik Pandya urged his batters to help the pacers.
India chased 179 to level the Ty20 series against the Windies in Florida after Jaiswal and Gill’s effort.
Shai Hope (45) and Shimron Hetmyer (61) helped West Indies, while India lost only one wicket.
Jaiswal hit 11 fours and three sixes in his undefeated 84 off 51 balls, while Gill was as fluent in his 77 off 47 balls before being bowled by Romario Shepherd in the 16th over.
“Gill and Jaiswal were brilliant,” said Pandya, who is guiding India without several key players. “They’re skilled.
They needed time between the wickets.
We must back the bowlers and take more responsibility as a batting group. Bowlers win matches.”
After losing the first two matches of the series, Pandya pleased to see his team show some grit.
“The (last) two games we played reflected that we pulled up our socks and made sure to play good cricket,” Pandya added.
T20 cricket has no favourites. Play good cricket. Respect the opponent. We lost 2-0 to their better cricket.
“We must do the same tomorrow (Sunday).”
Jaiswal, who scored his first T20 half-century after a strong test series, said he confident despite the format change.
“Mindset matters. “I trust myself,” Jaiswal replied.
“If I offer everything it can happen. Go out and express myself, I keep urging myself. I keep it basic.”
