Shai Hope’s unbeaten century powered West Indies past India in Ranchi. The six-wicket win levelled the T20 series.
West Indies produced a remarkable batting performance to defeat India by six wickets in the second Twenty20 International in Ranchi on Friday, chasing down a target of 250 to record their highest successful run chase in T20 internationals.
Captain Shai Hope led the charge with an unbeaten 102 from 45 balls, striking six fours and nine sixes. Sherfane Rutherford provided explosive support with 84 runs from 37 deliveries as the pair added 120 runs for the fourth wicket, transforming the match after West Indies lost three wickets early in the chase.
India had posted 249 for five in their 20 overs after being sent in to bat. Sanju Samson top-scored with 82 from 41 balls, while Ishan Kishan contributed 43. Shreyas Iyer added 40, and Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 44 as India finished with a formidable total.
West Indies were immediately under pressure when Mayank Yadav dismissed Kamil Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer in successive deliveries during the opening over. Yadav also removed Rovman Powell for 24, leaving the visitors needing a substantial recovery. Rutherford’s aggressive innings and Hope’s composed leadership helped turn the contest around, with Romario Shepherd adding an unbeaten 34 from 13 balls to help secure victory.
West Indies reached 252 for four in 18.3 overs, completing the second-highest successful run chase in men’s T20 international cricket. Only South Africa’s pursuit of 259 against West Indies in 2023 ranks higher. The result levelled the five-match series at 1-1, with the third match scheduled for Sunday in Indore.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo, Sky Sports, CNC3, Yahoo Sports, The Times of India and The Indian Express.