Samson and Ishan Kishan blaze half‑centuries as India reaches 249

In Ranchi, the Indian batting line‑up lit up the pitch with two spectacular half‑centuries.

After a steady start by Abhishek Sharma, opening partners Sanju Samson and Sanju (Sanju) forged a quick 42‑run opening stand. The momentum shifted when Ishan Kishan joined Samson, and the pair amassed 97 runs for the second wicket.

Kishan’s 43 came off just 22 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes, while Samson compiled an attacking 82 from 41 balls, dispatching nine boundaries and four sixes. Their aggressive intent set the platform for the later onslaught.

Later, the captain Shreyas Ayyar and Tilak Varma added another 83 runs, further propelling India to a then‑record 249/5. The contributions of Kishan and Samson were pivotal, turning a good total into a historic one.

The innings highlighted India’s depth and power‑hitting capabilities, leaving West Indies with a daunting chase ahead.