Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 18: India and the West Indies shared the five-match Twenty20 International series 2-2 after rain washed out the deciding fifth match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Saturday.

The match lasted just 48 minutes, with persistent rain preventing a result despite an explosive start by the Indian batters. Play began an hour and 45 minutes behind schedule, and the contest was reduced to nine overs per side.

After being put in to bat by West Indies captain Shai Hope, India raced to 118 for five in 7.4 overs before rain returned and forced the umpires to abandon the match. With insufficient time and conditions unsuitable for even a five-over contest, the series ended without a winner.

More than 20,000 spectators had gathered at the stadium despite the unfavourable weather, hoping to witness a decisive finish. The venue was hosting its first international fixture since the India-New Zealand Test match in October 2024.

India's batters made the most of their brief opportunity, attacking the West Indies bowlers from the outset. Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson provided the impetus, while Naman Dhir delivered a late flourish with an unbeaten 24 off just six deliveries.

India struck eight fours and seven sixes during their short innings, showcasing an aggressive approach in the shortened contest. Kishan also brought up the 100th six of the series by launching Romario Shepherd over long leg and out of the stadium.

However, the renewed downpour ended India's charge and dashed hopes of a conclusive result. The umpires eventually called off the match after assessing the conditions.

The 2-2 result meant neither side could claim the series, with the rain-hit decider bringing the five-match contest to an anticlimactic close.