HYDERABAD: In the high-scoring fourth T20I of the five-match series at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Wednesday, West Indies prevailed over India by a score of 24 runs, leveling the series at 2-2.
With a record-breaking century from captain Shai Hope, who put on an outstanding batting display against India’s fearsome bowling attack, the West Indies, batting first, amassed a threatening 247-3 in their allocated 20 overs.
Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford both contributed significantly.
Hope led his team in scoring with 102 off 50 deliveries, including four boundaries and nine sixes, at a scorching strike rate of 204. This was Hope’s third T20I century.
Hetmyer scored 33 off just 12 deliveries, including four boundaries and two sixes, while Rutherford barely missed a half-century with 49 off 26 balls, including three sixes and four boundaries.
Jewel Andrew scored 21 off 16 deliveries, including two fours and a six, while Rovman Powell made a significant contribution with 24 off 17 balls, hitting two boundaries and a six.
The West Indies hitters were difficult for the Indian bowlers to contain, and they gave up runs at a high cost. But Axar Patel, Prince Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh each took one wicket.
Thanks to a five-wicket haul by Keemo Paul, India was held to 223 in 19.3 overs while chasing a formidable goal of 248. With a 56 off 23 deliveries, including six fours and four sixes, opening batsman Sanju Samson led India in scoring.
Nitish Kumar Reddy scored 41 runs after facing 20 deliveries with one boundary and four sixes, while Tilak Varma played a brilliant knock of 43 off 25 deliveries with two fours and three sixes.
Despite having trouble with the bat, Abhishek Sharma managed to score 29 off 24 deliveries, including three boundaries and a six. Shreyas Iyer, the captain, scored 16 from 11 balls, including two fours, while Ishan Kishan provided six runs. Both Prince Yadav and Naman Dhir were dismissed for golden ducks.
With three balls left in the innings, Arshdeep Singh was forced to quit due to discomfort after Shamar Joseph’s sharp bouncer hit him in the left shoulder, ending the contest spectacularly.
With statistics of 5/41 in his four overs, Paul spearheaded the bowling assault. Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer each took one wicket, but Gudakesh Motie took two.