West Indies produced a major batting display to beat India by six wickets and level their five-match T20 series at 1-1. The visitors chased a target of 250 in Ranchi on Friday, October 9, in one of the highest successful run chases in men’s T20 international cricket. Captain Shai Hope led the effort with an unbeaten century, helping his side reach the target with nine balls remaining.
The chase began badly for West Indies. India fast bowler Mayank Yadav removed Kamil Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer with back-to-back deliveries in the opening over. He later dismissed Rovman Powell, leaving the visitors under pressure. But Hope kept the innings steady and found a strong partner in Sherfane Rutherford. Together, they changed the course of the match with a rapid partnership for the fourth wicket.
Rutherford scored 84 from only 37 balls, making the most of a dropped catch when he was on 38. His powerful hitting reduced the pressure on Hope and kept the required run rate within reach. Hope, meanwhile, combined control with attack. He remained unbeaten on 102 from 45 deliveries and guided the team through the final stage of the chase. Romario Shepherd helped him finish the job.
India had set the target after a strong innings of their own. Sanju Samson made 82 from 41 balls and helped the hosts build a fast start. Abhishek Sharma also scored quickly in the opening overs. India lost wickets in the middle, but late runs from Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma helped lift the total to 249 for five. Their partnership added 83 runs from 32 balls and gave India a challenging score.
West Indies’ chase was notable not only for the result but also for the way the team recovered from its early losses. Hope’s calm innings gave the side a base, while Rutherford’s attack put India’s bowlers under heavy pressure. The result also gave West Indies a boost after India had taken the first match of the series.
The teams are due to meet again in Indore on Sunday. India will aim to regain the lead, while West Indies will look to build on their record chase. The second match showed that even a target close to 250 can be reached when a side keeps its nerve, builds a key partnership, and has a batter able to stay until the end.
