India and West Indies were denied a series-deciding finish as persistent rain washed out the fifth and final T20I at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17. With the five-match series level at 2-2 heading into the decider, both sides had an opportunity to claim the series outright, but the weather had the final say.
After several interruptions, the match was reduced to a nine-over-per-side contest, with West Indies captain Shai Hope winning the toss and electing to bowl first. India responded with an aggressive batting display in the shortened game, but another spell of heavy rain prevented the visitors from beginning their chase and brought the contest to an early end.
Ishan Kishan and Naman Dhir power India to a rapid start
India made the most of their limited batting opportunity, attacking from the outset in the nine-over contest. Ishan Kishan led the charge with a blistering 30 off just 10 deliveries, taking advantage of the short boundaries and putting the West Indies bowlers under pressure. Naman Dhir continued the aggressive approach in the middle order, smashing an unbeaten 24 off only six balls.
His quick-fire contribution helped India maintain a scoring rate of more than 15 runs per over as the hosts looked to post a challenging total in the shortened format. India reached 118/5 in 7.4 overs before rain returned to disrupt play once again. Despite the explosive batting display, the home side could not complete its innings, and West Indies never got the opportunity to begin their chase.
Rain denies India and West Indies a series-deciding finish
The persistent rain in Bengaluru proved decisive, with repeated interruptions leaving the match officials unable to get the game back underway. After the contest had already been reduced to nine overs per side, the latest downpour ultimately forced the abandonment of the series decider.
As a result, the five-match T20I series ended in a 2-2 draw, with both teams sharing the honours. India had won the opening T20I in Lucknow by eight wickets before West Indies levelled the contest in Ranchi with a six-wicket victory. India regained the lead with a 14-run win in Indore, but Hope’s explosive century helped West Indies draw level again in Hyderabad.
The washout denied both teams a chance to settle the series on the field, bringing an end to a high-scoring contest that featured several powerful batting performances. India had earlier won the three-match ODI series 2-1, meaning the teams finished the tour with one series victory apiece and the T20I honours shared.
Also READ: Here’s why Nitish Kumar Reddy is not playing today’s game against West Indies in the 5th T20I
Here’s how fans reacted:
The 5th T20I between India and West Indies has been called off, ending the thriller of a 5-match series level at 2-2. Shreyas Iyer and Shai Hope share the honors 🤝🏆#TeamIndia #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/xS9Iv04FmD
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 17, 2026
Rain had the final say in Bengaluru as India and West Indies shared the honours in the five-game T20I series 2-2 👏
📸: @BCCI pic.twitter.com/rTIOgqbmZg
— ICC (@ICC) October 17, 2026
The final T20I has been called off due to rain.
The 5️⃣-match #INDvWI series ends with a 2️⃣-2️⃣ scoreline 🤝
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/hpGnrNyZVS #TeamIndia | @mflone_ pic.twitter.com/CO9H3IeRGk
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 17, 2026
Sad way to end a very entertaining series with inclement weather. “HOPE” you enjoyed it😉 because he’s been brilliant. Shurfane outstanding. But I feel very pleased for Keemo Paul and especially Shamar Springer. I wish they keep him as a front runner in both white ball formats…
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 17, 2026
INDIA AND WEST INDIES SHARE THE TROPHY. pic.twitter.com/ji8g8IrxP2
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 17, 2026
🚨 INDIA vs WEST INDIES SERIES ENDED 2-2 ✅
– End of a spectacular series for cricket fans. pic.twitter.com/tvhVQZgEbg
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 17, 2026
🚨 INDIA VS WEST INDIES 5TH T20I CALLED OFF DUE TO RAIN. 🚨
– The series is draw at 2-2.
hindi version— Rakesh Sharma (@iamrkRakesh) October 17, 2026
INDIA Vs WEST INDIES T20I ENDED 2-2 (5)
– Shreyas Iyer & Shai Hope with Muthoot FinCorp T20I Trophy 🏆.!! pic.twitter.com/sP881K9kGi
— MANU (@IMManu_14) October 17, 2026
🚨 INDIA VS WEST INDIES 5TH T20I CALLED OFF DUE TO RAIN. 🚨
– The series is draw at 2-2.#INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/u8NYVTd04p
— Baba Tillu (@maitweethoon) October 17, 2026
– Lost 2-0 vs Ireland ( overseas )
– Lost 4-0 vs England ( overseas )
– Smashed useless Afghanistan team at home
– Tied series with minnows West indiesONE & ONLY – SHREYAS IYER AS CAPTAIN OF INDIA IN 2026 🥶🔥 pic.twitter.com/uqRSSGn92X
— ByesAndLies (@ByesAndLies) October 17, 2026
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