RANCHI, India: Shai Hope produced a sensational century as the West Indies chased down a target of 250 runs to defeat India by six wickets in the second T20 international on Friday, levelling the five-match series at 1-1.
Hope remained unbeaten on 102 off 45 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford smashed 84 from just 37 deliveries to lead a remarkable recovery after the visitors suffered an early collapse.
The victory marked the West Indies’ highest successful run chase in men’s T20 internationals. Their total also represented the second-highest successful chase in the format’s history, behind South Africa’s pursuit of 259 against the West Indies in 2023.
Hope and Rutherford turn the match around
West Indies endured a disastrous start to their chase when Indian fast bowler Mayank Yadav dismissed Kamil Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer with consecutive deliveries in the opening over.
Rovman Powell later fell for 24, leaving the visitors under considerable pressure early in their innings.
However, captain Hope and Rutherford transformed the contest with an explosive 120-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Rutherford made the most of a reprieve on 38 after Yadav dropped a straightforward catch at short fine leg. He went on to strike 84 runs off 37 balls before Kuldeep Yadav ended his innings.
Hope, meanwhile, maintained his composure throughout the chase, combining controlled batting with timely boundaries to keep the required run rate within reach.
He eventually guided the visitors towards victory alongside Romario Shepherd, completing the chase with nine balls remaining.
Reflecting on the partnership, Hope said the stand gave the team the momentum it needed to get over the line.
He also stressed that the West Indies continued to believe they could win despite losing early wickets.
ICC Approves Major Overhaul of ODI and T20 World Cup Formats
Samson leads India’s powerful batting display
Earlier, India posted an imposing 249-5 after a strong batting performance led by Sanju Samson.
Samson struck 82 off 41 balls, helping the hosts establish a fast start alongside Abhishek Sharma, with the opening pair adding 42 runs in less than four overs.
West Indies managed to interrupt India’s momentum as Chase dismissed Sharma and later removed Ishan Kishan, who scored 43, and Shivam Dube.
Shamar Springer also made an important contribution by claiming Samson’s wicket.
India regained momentum towards the end of the innings through Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma, who added 83 runs from just 32 deliveries.
Iyer scored 40 before being dismissed off the penultimate delivery, leaving India with a formidable total that ultimately proved insufficient.
Series heads to Indore
The result levels the five-match T20 international series at 1-1, setting up an important third encounter between the two sides.
India will look to regain the advantage after failing to defend their substantial total, while the West Indies will aim to build on the confidence gained from their extraordinary chase.
The teams will meet again in Indore on Sunday, with both sides seeking a crucial lead in the series.
