Team India stuck in Barbados lockdown as Hurricane Beryl shuts airport

BRIDGETOWN: The T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team remained stranded in Barbados after a Category 4 hurricane hit the Caribbean islands at Bridgeton in Barbados which has imposed a lockdown. Flights have been cancelled delaying the team’s departure.

Hurricane Beryl, with strong winds and rain, has been lashing through Barbados and neighbouring islands since Sunday. Electricity and water supply have also been affected in the country, which hosted the ICC T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa.

#WATCH | Barbados: Electricity and water supply affected as hurricane hits the country with strong winds and rain.

Team India and media from India stuck in Barbados as all flights cancelled because of the curfew. pic.twitter.com/NswPxkaWig

— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2024

Currently, the Men in Blue are staying at a hotel in Barbados as the main international airport was shut. Speaking to reporters, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah, who is accompanying the team, said that they are “stuck” in Barbados and will think about the felicitation once the travel plans are clear. “Like you, we are also stuck here. After the travel plans are clear, we will think about the felicitation”, Shah was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying.

In the final match of the tournament, India won the toss and opted to bat first. After being reduced to 34/3, a counter-attacking partnership between Virat (76) and Axar Patel (47 in 31 balls, with one four and four sixes) of 72 runs restored India’s position in the game. A 57-run stand between Virat and Shivam Dube (27 in 16 balls, with three fours and a six) took India to 176/7 in their 20 overs.

Keshav Maharaj (2/23) and Anrich Nortje (2/26) were the top bowlers for SA. Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram took a wicket each.

In the run chase of 177 runs, Proteas was reduced to 12/2 and then a 58-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (39 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (31 in 21 balls, with three fours and a six) brought back SA into the game.

A half-century by Heinrich Klaasen (52 in 27 balls, with two fours and five sixes) threatened to take the game away from India. However, Arshdeep Singh (2/18), Jasprit Bumrah (2/20) and Hardik (3/20) made a fine comeback in death overs, keeping SA to 169/8 in their 20 overs.

Virat secured the ‘Player of the Match’ for his performance. Now, by securing their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013, India has ended their ICC trophy drought. (ANI)