Shai Hope’s Century Guides West Indies to Record Chase Against India
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
West Indies captain Shai Hope produced a brilliant century to lead his side to a six-wicket victory over India in the second T20 International in Ranchi on Friday, October 9, levelling the five-match series at 1-1.
Chasing a challenging target of 250 runs, West Indies reached 250-4 with nine balls remaining to register their highest successful run chase in T20 International cricket.
Hope remained unbeaten on 102 off just 45 deliveries, while Sherfane Rutherford played a crucial role with an explosive 84 from 37 balls.
Hope and Rutherford Lead West Indies Comeback
West Indies faced an early setback when Indian fast bowler Mayank Yadav dismissed Kamil Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer off consecutive deliveries in the opening over.
Yadav later removed Rovman Powell for 24, leaving the visitors under considerable pressure during the chase.
However, Hope and Rutherford turned the match around with a remarkable 120-run partnership for the fourth wicket, bringing West Indies back into contention.
Rutherford made the most of a dropped catch on 38, attacking the Indian bowlers with an aggressive display of batting. He eventually departed after scoring 84, with Kuldeep Yadav taking the important wicket.
Hope continued to anchor the innings and maintained the required scoring rate. He then combined with Romario Shepherd to complete the chase and secure an important victory for the Caribbean side.
Speaking after the match, Hope said the partnership with Rutherford provided the momentum West Indies needed to overcome the difficult target.
India Post 249 Runs After Strong Batting Display
Earlier, India posted an imposing total of 249-5 after being put under pressure by the West Indies bowling attack at different stages of the innings.
Sanju Samson led India’s batting effort with an impressive 82 off 41 balls. He helped establish a strong platform after India raced to 42 runs in less than four overs for the opening wicket alongside Abhishek Sharma.
West Indies managed to slow India’s progress through wickets taken by Akeal Hosein, Shamar Springer and other bowlers. Ishan Kishan also contributed 43 runs before being dismissed.
India accelerated during the closing overs as Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma combined for an 83-run partnership from just 32 deliveries.
Iyer scored 40 runs before falling on the penultimate delivery of the innings, leaving India with a formidable total of 249-5.
West Indies Level T20 Series at 1-1
The result marked a significant achievement for West Indies, who successfully chased down one of the biggest targets in men’s T20 International history.
Their total of 250-4 represents the second-highest successful chase in the format, behind South Africa’s pursuit of 259 against West Indies in 2023.
With the five-match series now level at 1-1, both teams will look to gain the advantage in the remaining matches. Hope’s outstanding innings and Rutherford’s explosive contribution have given West Indies renewed confidence heading into the next encounter.
