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West Indies need to win both powerplays to beat India in India, head coach Darren Sammy said on Tuesday, identifying the first six overs as the decisive phase in the ongoing T20I series while backing experienced all-rounder Roston Chase amid criticism over his place in the side. India lead the five-match series 2-1 ahead of the fourth T20 International here on Wednesday, with Sammy saying his side had repeatedly been forced to recover from expensive powerplays while bowling. "I think the powerplay was the difference that prevented us from going 2-1 up, because we could have been 2-1 up as well," Sammy said. He pointed out that India had scored at nearly 14.5 runs per over in the powerplay, despite West Indies restricting the scoring rate to below 10 runs an over in each of the subsequent three phases. "For us, it is about controlling the powerplay. So far, we have had to pull the game back every single time. That is an area we need to work on," he said. "To beat India in India, yo
India need to hunt for wickets rather than containing a power-packed West Indies batting line-up, vice-captain Tilak Varma said on Tuesday, stressing the importance of bowling plan execution as the hosts look to seal the five-match T20 International series in the fourth game itself. India are 2-1 ahead in the series and a win on Wednesday will give them an unassailable lead, while the visitors will be eager to draw level. The West Indies demonstrated their batting firepower by chasing down India's 249 in the second T20I, with skipper Shai Hope smashing a 45-ball 102. Tilak said India ill afford to relax against a side whose power-hitting extends till the last batter in the line-up. "The West Indies are a really good side, especially in T20 format. They play so much franchise cricket, so they know how to play this format. The power they have is unbelievable," Tilak said at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday. "Everyone can hit the ball. It is not just the openers, number thre
India all-rounder Naman Dhir, who made a dream debut in the first T20 International against the West Indies, was happy to contribute with his bowling, though he is still "awaiting an opportunity" with the bat, which remains his primary strength. On his T20I debut, Naman returned impressive figures of 3 for 31 with his off-spin bowling to help India bundle out West Indies for 171 - a target India chased down in 14.4 overs, riding on skipper Shreyas Iyer's maiden T20I ton (102 not out off 43 balls). "I am still waiting for my chance in batting, and I will be happy if get a chance with the bat. But I am happy that I could contribute with the ball and the team won," Naman said at the post-match press conference here on Tuesday. Naman said the pitch at the Ekana stadium ensured that one bowled a bit slower as far as the spinners were concerned. "Obviously the first wicket which I got today was an achievement for me, but at the same time it is all about executing your plans. The wicket .