RANCHI, OCT 10: West Indies captain Shai Hope delivered a sensational unbeaten century to guide his team to a thrilling six-wicket victory over India in the second T20 International on Friday, levelling the five-match series 1-1.
BuyMapsChasing a massive target of 250 runs, West Indies reached 252/4 in just 18.3 overs, recording their highest successful T20I chase against India and one of the biggest run chases in the format.
Hope led from the front with an unbeaten 102 off just 45 balls, smashing six fours and nine sixes. He received outstanding support from Sherfane Rutherford, who scored a blistering 84 off 37 deliveries, including seven fours and seven sixes.
The duo added 120 runs in just 54 balls, putting the visitors firmly in control of the chase. Romario Shepherd then provided the finishing touch with a quickfire 34 off 13 balls as West Indies completed the remarkable victory.
India initially made a strong start with the ball, as Mayank Yadav struck twice in consecutive deliveries to dismiss Kamil Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer. However, Hope and Rutherford counterattacked aggressively, taking advantage of the dew and challenging conditions for India’s spinners.
Rutherford also survived a crucial dropped catch on 38, allowing the partnership to flourish. West Indies accelerated further in the closing overs, scoring 41 runs across the 17th and 18th overs to seal the win.
Earlier, India posted an imposing 249/5 in 20 overs, powered by Sanju Samson’s explosive 82. Ishan Kishan contributed 43, while Shreyas Iyer scored 40 and Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 44. Roston Chase was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, claiming three wickets for 24 runs.
Despite India’s powerful batting performance, Hope’s remarkable century and Rutherford’s aggressive knock proved decisive, keeping West Indies firmly in contention in the five-match series.
Brief Scores:
India: 249/5 in 20 overs — Sanju Samson 82, Ishan Kishan 43, Tilak Varma 44*; Roston Chase 3/24.
BuyMapsWest Indies: 252/4 in 18.3 overs — Shai Hope 102*, Sherfane Rutherford 84; Mayank Yadav 3/36.
Result: West Indies won by six wickets. Series level at 1-1.
