Shai Hope's 102 powers West Indies to record chase vs India
Shai Hope's unbeaten 102 and Sherfane Rutherford's 84 lead West Indies to a record-breaking chase, leveling the T20I series 1-1 against India.
In a breathtaking display of power hitting, West Indies captain Shai Hope smashed an unbeaten 102 off just 45 balls to lead his side to a historic victory against India. Chasing a mammoth target at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi, the visitors successfully reached 252/4 in 18.3 overs, leveling the five-match T20I series 1-1.
The victory marks the highest successful run chase in West Indies T20I history and the second-highest ever in the format, trailing only South Africa's pursuit of 259 in 2023.
India's massive total falls short of West Indian onslaught
Earlier in the evening, India's batters set a formidable platform, racing at over 12 runs per over to post 249/5 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was headlined by Sanju Samson, who played a blistering knock of 82 off 41 balls, featuring nine boundaries and four sixes. He found a perfect partner in Ishan Kishan, who contributed a quickfire 43 off 22 balls.
The duo shared a massive 97-run stand for the second wicket, effectively demoralizing the West Indian attack. Despite Roston Chase pulling things back with figures of 3/24, India's momentum was too strong to contain.
Early breakthroughs give India hope
The West Indies chase began precariously when Mayank Yadav delivered a lethal opening over, removing both Kamil Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer in consecutive deliveries. At 9/2, the visitors looked to be in deep trouble.
However, the momentum shifted when Shai Hope and Rovman Powell steadied the ship. While Powell fell for 24, his partnership with Hope laid the groundwork for the explosion that followed.
Rutherford and Hope ignite the chase
The real carnage began when Sherfane Rutherford joined Hope. Rutherford was unstoppable, racing to 84 off just 37 balls, including seven fours and seven sixes. His assault on Axar Patel in the 12th over, where 23 runs were conceded, pushed the required rate into a manageable territory for the visitors.
Though Kuldeep Yadav eventually broke the partnership by dismissing Rutherford in the 15th over, the damage was already done. Hope remained composed, finding an aggressive ally in Romario Shepherd, who struck an unbeaten 34 off 13 balls.
Hope seals the deal with a century
As the game entered the death overs, Hope took complete control. He dismantled Axar Patel in the 19th over, smashing two massive sixes to bring up his second T20I century. His masterful 102 included six boundaries and nine sixes, ensuring West Indies crossed the finish line with nearly 9 balls to spare.
India's bowling unit struggled to find answers during the onslaught:
- Mayank Yadav: 3/36 (The standout performer)
- Kuldeep Yadav: 1/53
- Arshdeep Singh: 0/45
- Axar Patel: 0/63
With the series now tied at 1-1, the spotlight shifts to the remaining matches to see if India can reclaim dominance or if the West Indian hitters will continue their rampage.