Rain washes out Bengaluru series decider after India script history in fifth T20I against West Indies | Cricket News

Bengaluru: India’s Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson during the fifth and final T20I cricket match of the series between India and West Indies, in Bengaluru. (PTI Photo)

India registered their fastest team fifty in men’s T20I cricket, reaching the milestone in just 2.5 overs against the West Indies in the fifth T20I in Bengaluru. However, persistent rain forced the series decider to be abandoned, with both teams finishing the five-match series level at 2-2.India broke their previous record of reaching 50 in three overs against the West Indies in Hyderabad earlier in 2026. Their latest feat also surpassed the team fifties of 3.1 overs against New Zealand in Guwahati, 3.2 overs against Pakistan in Nisshin and 3.3 overs against Afghanistan in Delhi.

Fastest team 50s for India

India raced to 14 in the opening over despite Abhishek’s dismissal, with the over featuring five wides, a no-ball and a six. Kishan then took charge against Romario Shepherd, collecting 24 runs in the second over as India surged to 38/1.The left-hander continued his onslaught against Shamar Joseph, hitting a four before Samson brought up the team fifty with a boundary off the same bowler. India reached 50 in just 2.5 overs, setting a new benchmark for their fastest team fifty in men’s T20Is.However, the West Indies fought back with regular wickets. Kishan departed for 30, followed by Samson for 16, while Shreyas Iyer struggled to find his rhythm before falling for 22 off 14 balls. Tilak Varma was also dismissed for seven as Shamar Springer claimed his second wicket.

Naman Dhir provides late fireworks before rain washes out the decider

Naman Dhir injected fresh momentum into India’s innings after arriving at the crease in the seventh over. He launched Keemo Paul for a six off his first delivery and followed it with a four before clearing the ropes again. Dhir then struck another maximum off Springer, racing to 17 off just four balls at that stage.His rapid scoring helped India cross the 100-run mark in the seventh over, but the drizzle intensified as the innings progressed.India were 108/5 after 7.4 overs when Tilak was bowled by Springer. With the rain continuing to threaten the contest, the match was eventually reduced to a five-over chase, leaving the West Indies needing 85 runs to win the series decider.The inevitable eventually happened as the players shook hands and the match was called off due to persistent rain. The washout denied the West Indies a chance to chase down the target and brought the series to an end at 2-2.