Hyderabad, Oct 15: Shai Hope’s explosive unbeaten century and Keemo Paul’s five-wicket haul guided the West Indies to a 24-run victory over India in the fourth T20 International on Wednesday, levelling the five-match series at 2-2 and setting up a thrilling decider in Bengaluru.
After India elected to bowl, the West Indies posted a formidable 247/3 in 20 overs, powered by Hope’s unbeaten 102 off just 50 deliveries. Paul then dismantled India’s batting line-up with figures of 5/41, restricting the hosts to 223 all out.
Chasing a challenging target of 248, India got off to a flying start as Sanju Samson launched an aggressive assault on the West Indies bowlers. The opener smashed 56 off just 23 balls, including six fours and four sixes, helping India race to 60 without loss in the first four overs.
However, Paul changed the momentum in the fifth over by dismissing Samson and Ishan Kishan in quick succession. Kishan managed just six runs off three deliveries, leaving India at 69/2.
Shreyas Iyer departed for 16 after being dismissed by Shamar Springer, while Abhishek Sharma scored 29 off 24 balls before Gudakesh Motie struck twice in the 12th over. Motie removed Abhishek and Naman Dhir, who was dismissed for a golden duck, leaving India struggling at 132/5.
Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy briefly revived India’s hopes with an attacking partnership of 59 runs off just 26 deliveries. Tilak contributed 43 off 25 balls, while Reddy smashed 41 off 20 balls.
Reddy attacked Shamar Joseph in the 16th over, collecting a four and two sixes as India scored 21 runs from the over. With the required run rate still within reach, the partnership threatened to turn the contest around.
Romario Shepherd ended the stand by dismissing Tilak in the 17th over. Paul then returned to remove Reddy and Prince Yadav in successive deliveries before dismissing Axar Patel for three, completing his second five-wicket haul in T20 Internationals.
Earlier, Hope delivered a sensational batting performance to anchor the West Indies innings. His unbeaten 102 came off 50 balls and included a series of powerful strokes, with the batter completing his century with a six off the final delivery of the innings. It was his third T20I century and second hundred of the series.
The visitors dominated the powerplay, reaching 79/1 in six overs. Hope continued his assault as the West Indies brought up 100 runs in just 7.4 overs.
Sherfane Rutherford provided excellent support, remaining unbeaten on 49 off 26 balls. The pair added 91 runs in just 43 deliveries to propel the visitors towards a massive total. Shimron Hetmyer also made a valuable contribution with 33 off 12 balls, while Rovman Powell scored 24 off 17 deliveries.
The West Indies struck 17 sixes during their innings, putting India’s bowling attack under immense pressure.
With the series now level at 2-2, both teams will face off in the fifth and final T20 International in Bengaluru on Saturday, with the series trophy at stake.
Brief Scores:
West Indies: 247/3 in 20 overs — Shai Hope 102* (50), Sherfane Rutherford 49* (26), Shimron Hetmyer 33; Prince Yadav 1/36.
India: 223 all out — Sanju Samson 56 (23), Tilak Varma 43 (25), Nitish Kumar Reddy 41 (20); Keemo Paul 5/41.
Result: West Indies won by 24 runs. Series level at 2-2.
