West Indies produced a dominant batting performance to defeat India by 24 runs in the fourth T20I at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, levelling the series 2-2.
Shai Hope starred with a sensational unbeaten century as the visitors posted a massive total, leaving India chasing a challenging target of 248 runs.
India elected to bowl first on a newly prepared surface, hoping to take advantage of unfamiliar conditions. However, the pitch offered plenty of assistance to the batters, and West Indies quickly seized control.
Jewel Andrew provided an explosive start, attacking Arshdeep Singh with two boundaries and a six over mid-wicket. Mayank Yadav also struggled with his control, conceding 11 extras as the visitors raced past 50 in just 15 deliveries.
Although Axar Patel dismissed Andrew, the breakthrough did little to slow the scoring.
Hope and Shimron Hetmyer maintained the aggressive approach, helping West Indies reach 79 runs in the PowerPlay. It equalled the highest PowerPlay total against India in T20 internationals, previously achieved by New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram earlier this year.
The visitors brought up their century in just 42 balls before Rovman Powell accelerated the innings, smashing 22 runs from an Axar over.
Hope continued his outstanding form alongside Sherfane Rutherford, with the pair adding 91 runs from only 43 deliveries. The West Indies batter completed his second century of the T20I series, putting India under enormous pressure.
India began their pursuit aggressively through Sanju Samson, who smashed his joint-fastest T20I half-century off just 20 balls.
However, Keemo Paul turned the momentum in West Indies’ favour by dismissing Samson and Ishan Kishan in quick succession.
Abhishek Sharma struggled initially to find his rhythm, while Shreyas Iyer attempted to rebuild the innings with attacking strokes. Iyer’s promising contribution ended following an impressive fielding effort from Andrew.
Gudakesh Motie then delivered a crucial double blow, removing Abhishek and Naman Dhir from consecutive deliveries.
With India requiring 116 runs from 48 balls, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar launched a spirited counterattack, adding 72 runs from just 32 deliveries.
Their partnership briefly revived India’s hopes, but Paul completed a brilliant five-wicket haul to put the result beyond reach.
Arshdeep Singh’s retirement hurt further complicated India’s chase as West Indies secured an important victory.
The result sets up an exciting series decider, with both teams now locked at 2-2.
