West Indies chase down India’s 250-run target in just 18.3 overs to secure a thrilling eight-wicket victory and level the T20I series 1-1.
West Indies produced a sensational batting performance to defeat India in the second T20 International in Ranchi, completing a successful chase of 250 runs in just 18.3 overs.
Captain Shai Hope led the charge with a brilliant unbeaten century, while Sherfane Rutherford delivered an explosive knock to help the visitors register the second-highest successful run chase in men’s T20I cricket.
Hope smashed 102 runs off 45 balls, while Rutherford contributed 84 from 37 deliveries. Their outstanding partnership turned a challenging chase into a remarkable victory, allowing West Indies to level the three-match series 1-1. Only South Africa’s successful pursuit of 259 against West Indies in 2023 remains higher in men’s T20I history.
Earlier, India posted an imposing 249/5 after being asked to bat first, recording their highest T20I total against West Indies. Sanju Samson returned to form with an impressive 82 off 41 deliveries, providing an aggressive start to the innings. Ishan Kishan added 43 from 22 balls, keeping India firmly on course for a massive total.
Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma accelerated the scoring during the final overs, forming an explosive 83-run partnership from just 33 deliveries. Iyer scored 40 off 18 balls, while Varma struck 44 from the same number of deliveries. For West Indies, Roston Chase claimed three wickets, while Shamar Springer took two.
West Indies suffered an early setback when Mayank Yadav dismissed Kamil Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer on consecutive deliveries in the opening over. However, Hope maintained his composure and continued attacking the Indian bowling attack. Rovman Powell contributed a quick 24 off 13 balls as the visitors reached 72 runs during the Powerplay.
Rutherford then joined Hope and completely changed the momentum, combining powerful hitting with calculated stroke play. The pair added 120 runs from 54 balls before Kuldeep Yadav ended Rutherford’s innings.
Romario Shepherd provided the finishing push with an unbeaten 34 off just 13 balls, including three fours and three sixes. Hope completed his century in 45 deliveries and remained unbeaten as West Indies reached 253/4, winning with nine balls remaining.
Following their record-breaking ODI chase against India earlier in the tour, West Indies have now delivered another memorable performance. The teams will meet in Indore on October 11 for the third T20I.