The West Indies kept their series hopes alive on Wednesday, securing a 24-run victory against India in the fourth T20I at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The result levels the five-match series at 2-2, setting up a decisive final encounter in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17.
The visitors set the tone early after being asked to bat, posting a formidable total of 247/3. The innings was anchored by Shai Hope, who delivered a masterful unbeaten century. Hope reached his milestone in dramatic fashion, striking a six off the final ball of the innings to finish on 102 not out from just 50 deliveries. He was well-supported by Sherfane Rutherford, who contributed an unbeaten 49 off 26 balls. The duo combined for a blistering 91-run partnership in only 43 balls, capitalizing on an Indian bowling attack that struggled to contain the scoring, conceding 16 sixes and 18 extras.
Keemo Paul’s five-wicket haul stifles India’s chase
India’s pursuit of the 248-run target began with intent, as Sanju Samson provided a rapid start with 56 runs off 23 balls. However, the momentum shifted decisively in the fifth over when Keemo Paul claimed two quick wickets, removing both Samson and Ishan Kishan. This double strike proved to be the turning point, as India’s middle order struggled to maintain the required run rate.
Following the departures of Shreyas Iyer and the quick dismissals of Abhishek Sharma and Naman Dhir by Gudakesh Motie in the 12th over, India found themselves reeling at 130/5. A brief resurgence occurred when Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy put together a 70-run stand for the sixth wicket. Varma contributed 43 off 25 balls, while Reddy added 41 off 20. Despite their efforts, the required rate proved too steep once Varma fell in the 17th over and Reddy followed in the 19th.
Keemo Paul was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 5/41 from his four overs. His ability to break key partnerships ensured the West Indies maintained control throughout the second half of the match. For India, bowlers Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep Singh faced a difficult outing, each conceding 52 runs in their respective four-over spells, while lapses in the field further complicated the hosts' efforts to restrict the visitors.
