West Indies successfully leveled the five-match T20I series at 2-2 after securing a 24-run victory over India in the fourth encounter held in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The result was largely driven by a commanding century from Shai Hope, which proved too much for the hosts to overcome in their pursuit of a 248-run target.
India’s response began with significant intent, spearheaded by Sanju Samson, who raced to a half-century in just 20 deliveries. Despite the early momentum, the chase faltered following Samson's dismissal by Keemo Paul. Contributions from Abhishek Sharma, who scored 29, and Shreyas Iyer, who added 16, kept the scoreboard moving, but the team struggled to maintain the required run rate against a disciplined bowling attack. A late surge by Nitish Kumar Reddy and Tilak Varma, who combined for 70 runs off 32 balls, briefly revived hopes, but the momentum shifted back to the visitors when Paul claimed three wickets in the 19th over, eventually bowling India out for 223.
Bengaluru Prepares for Series Finale
As the series moves to Bengaluru for the final showdown on Saturday, the venue brings back memories of India’s last T20I appearance there on January 17, 2024. That match against Afghanistan remains one of the most dramatic in recent memory, featuring a record-breaking performance and a chaotic finish involving two Super Overs.
In that encounter, India found themselves in deep trouble at 22/4 early in the innings. Rohit Sharma anchored the recovery, forging a 190-run partnership with Rinku Singh. Sharma’s unbeaten 121 off 69 balls marked his fifth T20I century, propelling India to a total of 212/4. Afghanistan matched that score, led by Gulbadin Naib’s 55 off 23 balls, forcing the game into a Super Over.
The subsequent Super Overs were marked by intense controversy and tactical maneuvering. During the first, a deflection off Mohammad Nabi’s body led to extra runs, sparking frustration among the Indian players. Later, Rohit Sharma retired hurt to allow the faster-running Rinku Singh to take the crease, a move that led to confusion regarding playing conditions. After the first Super Over ended in a tie, India eventually secured victory in the second, with Ravi Bishnoi taking two crucial wickets to seal the win. With the current series now deadlocked, both India and West Indies will look to replicate that level of intensity in the upcoming decider at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
