West Indies produced a remarkable batting performance to defeat India by six wickets in the second T20 International in Ranchi. Chasing a formidable target of 250 runs, the visitors reached 250/4 in 18.3 overs, winning with nine balls to spare and levelling the five-match series 1-1.
West Indies captain Shai Hope led from the front with an unbeaten 102 off just 45 balls. Sherfane Rutherford also played a crucial role, smashing 84 runs from 37 deliveries, while Romario Shepherd finished the chase with an explosive unbeaten 34 off 13 balls.
The victory marked the West Indies’ highest successful run chase in T20 International cricket.
Shai Hope and Rutherford Turn the Match Around
The West Indies endured a disastrous start to their chase, losing two wickets for just five runs. India’s bowlers appeared to have gained control, but Hope and Rutherford had other plans.
The pair counterattacked with aggressive stroke play, building a match-defining partnership of 120 runs off 54 balls. Their stand shifted the momentum decisively in the visitors’ favour.
Rutherford struck boundaries at regular intervals before departing for 84 off 37 balls. Hope, meanwhile, continued to dominate the Indian attack and completed his century in just 45 deliveries.
Shepherd then joined Hope and provided the finishing touches, scoring an unbeaten 34 from 13 balls. The West Indies completed the record chase in 18.3 overs, leaving the Indian team unable to defend its massive total.
Sanju Samson Leads India’s Batting Charge
Earlier, India posted an imposing 249/5 in 20 overs after being invited to bat first.
Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson led the innings with an aggressive 82 off 41 balls, providing India with a strong platform. Ishan Kishan contributed 43 runs, while captain Shreyas Iyer scored a quickfire 40.
Tilak Varma added further momentum with an unbeaten 44, and Abhishek Sharma chipped in with 20 runs. India’s powerful batting display appeared to put the hosts in a commanding position, but the total ultimately proved insufficient.
Indian Bowlers Struggle to Defend 249 Runs
India’s bowling attack struggled to contain the West Indies batters. Mayank Yadav claimed three wickets in three overs but conceded 36 runs.
Kuldeep Yadav took one wicket while giving away 53 runs in four overs. Axar Patel also had a difficult outing, conceding 63 runs in 3.3 overs.
Despite taking wickets early in the chase, India could not break the partnership between Hope and Rutherford quickly enough to regain control.
IND vs WI T20 Series Level at 1-1
The result gave the West Indies a historic victory and brought the five-match T20I series level at 1-1. Hope’s unbeaten century, Rutherford’s explosive innings and Shepherd’s late contribution proved decisive in one of the most remarkable run chases described in the supplied match report.
India will need a more effective bowling performance in the next match if it hopes to regain the advantage in the series.