Shai Hope’s Century Powers West Indies to Series-Levelling Win Over India
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
West Indies captain Shai Hope scored an unbeaten century to lead his side to a 24-run victory over India in the fourth T20 International on Wednesday, bringing the five-match series level at 2-2.
West Indies posted an imposing 247-3 in Hyderabad, with Hope smashing 102 not out off 50 balls. He shared an unbroken 91-run partnership with Sherfane Rutherford, who remained unbeaten on 49.
Keemo Paul then delivered a match-winning bowling performance, taking five wickets for 41 runs as India were dismissed for 223 in 19.3 overs. The series will now be decided in the final match on Sunday in Bengaluru.
Hope registered his third T20 International century, the most by any West Indies batter, and his second hundred of the series.
The visitors made a fast start before losing Jewel Andrew for 21. Shimron Hetmyer added momentum with 33 off just 12 deliveries, while Rovman Powell contributed 24 from 17 balls.
Hope continued the attack alongside Rutherford, reaching his century on the final ball of the innings after striking Nitish Kumar Reddy for two consecutive sixes.
Paul Leads West Indies Bowling Attack
India began their chase aggressively, with Sanju Samson scoring 56 off 23 balls. However, Paul dismissed Samson and Ishan Kishan in quick succession to shift the momentum towards West Indies.
India captain Shreyas Iyer managed 16 before falling to Shamar Springer, while Gudakesh Motie removed Abhishek Sharma for 29 and Naman Dhir for a first-ball duck.
Tilak Varma and Reddy briefly revived India’s hopes with a rapid 70-run partnership. Varma scored 43, while Reddy added 41, but Romario Shepherd dismissed Varma before Paul struck three times in one over to dismantle the middle order.
Paul completed his second five-wicket haul in T20 internationals, putting West Indies firmly in control.
India’s innings ended at 223, giving the visitors a crucial victory after the hosts had taken the lead in the series.
West Indies will now look to carry their momentum into Sunday’s decisive encounter, while India will aim to recover and secure the series on home soil.
