West Indies defeat India to equalize crucial T20I series
West Indies secured a 24-run victory against India during their fourth T20I encounter in Hyderabad.
This vital win levels their ongoing tour series at two games apiece. Shai Hope led the batting charge with an unbeaten 102 runs from 50 deliveries. Keemo Paul matched this brilliance with an exceptional bowling performance, taking five wickets for 41 runs.
Shai Hope became the first West Indies cricketer to register three T20I centuries. His milestone performance anchored an intimidating total of 247 for 3. Sherfane Rutherford provided essential support with an unbeaten 49. India faced a challenging chase despite friendly batting conditions on the dry, relaid Hyderabad surface. Both teams capitalized on a pitch offering significant run-scoring opportunities.
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Sanju Samson launched an aggressive counterattack early in the run chase. He blasted 56 runs off just 23 balls, striking four sixes and six boundaries within three overs. His fearless approach gave India early momentum, but West Indies eventually found their crucial breakthrough. Keemo Paul dismissed Samson using a short delivery, which Shimron Hetmyer caught cleanly near the boundary rope.
Gudakesh Motie proved vital during the middle overs by taking two wickets for 13 runs. He removed Abhishek Sharma and Naman Dhir in rapid succession. India slipped from their dominant position as West Indies sharpened their fielding and bowling execution. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Tilak Varma battled hard to revive the innings later in the match. Reddy struck two sixes in the 16th over to keep the chase alive.
Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer bowled with precision in the closing stages to restrict boundary options. Keemo Paul returned in the 19th over to claim three more wickets, effectively ending the contest. India finished their innings at 223, falling short in an entertaining match that produced 470 total runs. This result forces an exciting decisive final game for the series trophy.