Western Hemisphere: West Indies clinch series parity behind Shai Hope’s century and Keemo Paul’s maiden five‑wicket spell
West Indies secured parity in the five‑match T20I series by defeating India by 24 runs in the fourth encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, October 14.
Captain Shai Hope smashed an unbeaten 102 off 50 balls before Keemo Paul claimed five wickets to derail India’s chase of 248.
After India won the toss and elected to bowl, West Indies posted a formidable 247/3 in their 20 overs. India answered with 223 before being bowled out in 19.4 overs, despite an explosive half‑century from Sanju Samson and a fighting contribution from Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Shai Hope Leads West Indies’ Batting Assault
Hope delivered a commanding innings, striking four boundaries and nine sixes at a strike rate of 204. He completed his century with consecutive sixes off Nitish Kumar Reddy in the final over, finishing unbeaten on 102.
The West Indies captain received strong support from Sherfane Rutherford, who smashed an unbeaten 49 off 26 deliveries, including four fours and three sixes. Their unbroken 91‑run partnership from 43 balls powered the visitors to a daunting total.
Jewel Andrew contributed 21 off 16 balls before falling to Axar Patel, while Shimron Hetmyer struck 33 from just 12 deliveries. Rovman Powell added 24 off 17 balls before Arshdeep Singh dismissed him.
West Indies raced to 79/1 in the powerplay, matching the joint‑highest six‑over score against India in men’s T20 internationals. They also reached 100 in just 7.4 overs, underlining their dominance.
India’s bowling struggled for control. Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep conceded 52 runs each in four overs, while Axar Patel gave away 45. Prince Yadav emerged as India’s most economical pacer, releasing 1/36.
Sanju Samson’s Explosive Start Goes In Vain
Chasing 248, India needed an exceptional start and Samson provided exactly that. The wicketkeeper‑batter smashed 56 off 23 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 243.48.
However, Keemo Paul removed Samson in the fifth over and subsequently dismissed Ishan Kishan for six, mounting pressure on an already anxious side.
Abhishek Sharma fetched 29 off 24 deliveries, while captain Shreyas Iyer made 16 from 11 balls. Gudakedsh Motie dismissed Abhishek and Naman Dhir—who fell for a golden duck—leaving India adrift at 130/5.
With the hunt teetering, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy launched a counter‑attack. The duo added 70 runs for the sixth wicket, momentarily reviving Indian prospects.
Varma scored 41 off 23 balls — three sixes included — while Reddy composed 41 off 19 deliveries, netting three sixes and a boundary. Their pairing brought India close again, until Romario Shepherd ended the chase by taking Varma out.
Paul closed the game economically, claiming Reddy, Prince Yadav and Axar Patel for figures of 5/41. His five‑for became the linchpin of West Indies’ defensive resolve. Ultimately, India were bowled out for 223 in 19.4 overs, trailing by 24 runs.
West Indies Level Series 2‑2
Hope’s unbeaten century and Paul’s maiden five‑wicket achievement proved decisive in Hyderabad. The visitors combined relentless aggression with timely breakthroughs to overturn India’s early surge and tie the five‑match series.
For India, the defeat exposes gaps in spin control and the capacity to consolidate momentum once England’s threat appears. With the stand balanced at 2‑2, the next T20I will determine the championship outcome.