West Indies Beat India by 24 Runs to Level T20I Series 2-2

Hyderabad: (Sports Desk) – West Indies defeated India by 24 runs in a high-scoring fourth T20 International on Wednesday, levelling the five-match series 2-2 after a dominant batting performance led by captain Shai Hope.

Batting first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, West Indies posted an imposing 247-3 in 20 overs, powered by Hope’s outstanding century and valuable contributions from Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford.

Hope top-scored with 102 off 50 balls, striking four fours and nine sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 204. The innings marked his third century in T20 internationals and provided the foundation for the visitors’ commanding total.

Hetmyer added a rapid 33 from just 12 deliveries, including four boundaries and two sixes, while Rutherford narrowly missed a half-century, scoring 49 off 26 balls with four fours and three sixes.

Jewel Andrew contributed 21 from 16 deliveries, including two fours and a six, while Rovman Powell chipped in with 24 off 17 balls, striking two fours and a six.

India’s bowlers struggled to contain the West Indies batters, with Axar Patel, Prince Yadav and Arshdeep Singh claiming one wicket each.

Chasing a challenging target of 248, India fought back through several aggressive batting performances but were eventually bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs.

Sanju Samson led the Indian response with a blistering 56 off 23 deliveries, hitting six fours and four sixes. Tilak Varma scored 43 from 25 balls, including two boundaries and three sixes, while Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed 41 off just 20 deliveries, striking one four and four sixes.

Abhishek Sharma added 29 from 24 balls, with three fours and a six, but could not maintain the scoring momentum needed to keep India in contention.

Captain Shreyas Iyer made 16 off 11 deliveries, including two fours, while Ishan Kishan managed six runs. Prince Yadav and Naman Dhir were dismissed for golden ducks.

West Indies’ bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the chase, with Keemo Paul delivering a match-winning performance. He claimed five wickets for 41 runs in four overs, while Gudakesh Motie picked up two wickets. Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer took one wicket apiece.

India’s innings ended dramatically when Arshdeep Singh was struck on the left shoulder by a sharp bouncer from Shamar Joseph. The Indian fast bowler was forced to leave the field with discomfort, bringing the innings to a close.

The victory brought West Indies level at 2-2, setting up a decisive fifth T20I to determine the series winner.