Following the second T20 International between India and West Indies in Ranchi, both teams departed for Indore on Saturday for the next match of the five-match series. Cricket fans gathered at Birsa Munda Airport to catch a glimpse of their favourite players as the teams prepared to leave under security arrangements.
The departure followed the high-scoring second T20 International played at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium in Ranchi on October 9. Both teams produced substantial batting performances, with the contest remaining competitive until the final overs.
India scored 249 for five after batting first. Sanju Samson scored 82, while Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma also made quick contributions to help India post the total. However, India could not defend the target.
West Indies chased down the total, scoring 252 for four in 19.2 overs to win by six wickets. Captain Shai Hope scored an unbeaten century and combined with Sherfane Rutherford in a crucial partnership that put pressure on the Indian bowlers. The victory levelled the five-match T20 International series at 1-1.
Following the match, Indore in Madhya Pradesh became the next destination for the two teams, with the third T20 International scheduled to be played there. The teams completed their stay in Ranchi before arriving at Birsa Munda Airport for their onward journey. The travel arrangements were carried out according to the scheduled programme ahead of the next fixture.
Fans gathered at the airport to see the international cricketers as they departed. Supporters showed interest in seeing players from both India and West Indies, extending the enthusiasm surrounding the Ranchi match beyond the stadium.
Interest in the international fixture was evident in Ranchi ahead of the match, with demand for tickets, attendance at the stadium and enthusiasm surrounding the players' arrival drawing attention. Spectators at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium witnessed an attacking contest in which India posted a total of 249 for five before West Indies completed the chase.
The match remained competitive until the closing overs, with West Indies securing victory despite India's substantial first-innings total. The result left the series level after two matches.
Both teams will now turn their attention to the third match in Indore. With the series tied at 1-1, the next fixture will give the winning team an opportunity to take the lead in the five-match series.
India will seek to defend its totals more effectively and improve its bowling performance, while West Indies will look to build on its victory in Ranchi. The outcome of the next match will depend on the teams' performances on the field.
The teams' departure marked the end of their Ranchi leg of the series. Attention now shifts to Indore, where India and West Indies will contest the third T20 International.
