Shreyas Iyer Explains Why India Couldn't Defend 249 Against West Indies, Points Out One 'Factor'

Just the previous match, Shreyas Iyer scored 102* to almost single-handedly guide India to a win against the West Indies in the first T20I of the five-match series. On Friday, Iyer was at the receiving end of another 102* as West Indies captain Shai Hope scored the second-fastest T20I ton by a West Indies batter to chase down the 250-run target set by India in the second T20I. After the stunning result, Iyer refused to blame any of his players. Instead, he pointed to the dew factor in Ranchi and the nature of the pitch.

India posted a formidable 249 for five, but a ton-up Shai Hope-led West Indies chased it down with nine balls to spare, leaving Iyer to acknowledge the quality of the opposition's batting and the impact of a decisive partnership.

"You cannot put a number to it because when the dew factor comes in, it becomes difficult. Even 249 was chased down with almost two overs to spare. The margin of error on this wicket was very minor. It was going into the stands if you just missed it by a mark," Iyer said after the match.

Hope, who remained unbeaten on 102 off just 45 balls, was well supported by Sherfane Rutherford, who smashed 84 in 37 deliveries.

Iyer praised the West Indies batters for their performance while also expressing satisfaction with the contributions of India's top-order batters Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma.

"They batted amazingly, kudos to them. Both were phenomenal in their departments. This is what we look forward to from Sanju and Abhishek and also Mayank. The momentum shifted towards them after that partnership," he added.

Opener Samson made a fine 84, while Mayank picked up three top-order wickets.

West Indies captain Hope, who was named Player of the Match, admitted that the chase had looked challenging after his side slipped to five for two.

"It was going to be a tough chase. Five for two was always going to be challenging. When we got that partnership between me and Rovman, we started believing," Hope said.

Hope stressed the importance of building partnerships and taking calculated risks while chasing a daunting target.

"I really believe we need to bat in partnerships. I thought we were going nicely, so it was about taking calculated risks," he said.

The West Indies skipper also praised Roston Chase for his bowling effort on a batting-friendly surface.

"Amazing from Chase to bowl like that on a pitch like this," Hope said.

Reflecting on his own performance, Hope credited preparation and mental readiness for his consistency while acknowledging that luck had also played a part.

"The SS bats that I have are pretty good. Came off well today and you need some luck going your way. It's a tough one. When you are scoring runs you are happy," he said.

"I think the way I am prepared and being mentally ready is probably helping me do well. I never want to get too high (about success)," he added

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