The West Indies have drawn level with India after a commanding victory against the hosts at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday in the fourth T20 International. Following India’s victory in the previous match, the Men in Maroon needed to win to keep their hopes of claiming the series alive. With one game remaining, the series is now up for grabs for either team.
Jewel Andrew, who replaced Kamil Pooran, partnered his captain, Shai Hope, at the top of the order. The two put on a 52-run opening stand before Andrew lost his wicket for 21.
After that dismissal, there was a flurry of runs. Shimron Hetmyer blazed his way to a 33 off 12 balls, Rovman Powell contributed 24, and Sherfane Rutherford continued his fine form with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 49 off 26 deliveries.
However, the biggest plaudits belonged to Hope. The West Indian captain unleashed a series of glorious shots around the ground, taking full advantage of the playing conditions. The Barbadian became the first West Indian batsman to score three T20I centuries, finishing on 102 not out off 50 deliveries and powering his team to a mammoth 247/3 off their 20 overs.
Sanju Samson got India off to a flyer with a 20-ball half-century before Keemo Paul removed him and Ishan Kishan, the top-ranked T20I batsman, in quick succession. The West Indies continued to take wickets. Gudakesh Motie was on a hat-trick soon after being introduced into the attack, removing captain Abhishek Sharma (29) and Naman Dhir for a first-ball duck.
India fought back through a 70-run partnership between Nitish Reddy and Tilak Varma. However, after Varma was dismissed, Paul produced a decisive 19th over, claiming three wickets to put the result beyond India’s reach. He finished with outstanding figures of five for 41, as the West Indies secured a 24-run victory.
The teams are now level at two wins apiece. With one match remaining, the Men in Maroon will look to achieve what few teams have managed since the 2024 World Cup: defeat India in a T20I series on home soil.
The article Hope hundred, Paul fifer help Windies level series is from St. Lucia Times.