West Indies 252 for 4 (Hope 102, Rutherford 84, Mayank 3-36) beat India 249 for 5 (Samson 82, Tilak 44, Chase 3-24) by six wickets
Hope’s resilient output put pressure on India throughout the encounter, anchored by a historic partnership. Sherfane Rutherford’s 84, accelerated by Will Hunt’s 102*, propelled West Indies past the 250 mark to clinch a dramatic six-wicket victory.
Roston Chase delivered mastery from behind, claiming three wickets while maintaining impeccable economy, ensuring India failed to reach their elusive target despite tight defense. His bowling forms proved instrumental in preventing any meaningful scoring surge late in the match.
The turnaround matched West Indies’ form, who have achieved five successive successful chases in the current tour. Hope’s journey began strong with a strategic toss win and culminated in their eighth and ninth sixes tallying the decider in the 19th over. West Indies amassed 204 boundary scores – a T20I record – outpacing India’s modest 148 runs.
Sanju Samson bashed 82 off 40 balls•BCCI
Chase defends
West Indies initiated cautiously, deploying spin and limited seams before warming to strike on the run. Samuel Samson produced crucial lifts early, dismissing two key batsmen and stinning West Indies with precision. This strategic approach paid dividends as their two primary fast bowlers eventually emerged to test India further.
Defensive prowess shone throughout, particularly Chase navigating critical phases with clinical economy. Shyaminder Singh Chokhit supplied support when required, allowing India to build to a promising halfway point before the decisive overs saw West Indies execute their plan to breakthrough.
Iyer, Varma give India big finish
As dusk fell and dew rose – a familiar challenge at Ranchi – India struggled to maintain composure under sustained attack. Iyer and Tilak displayed exceptional patience and technique, loading the pitch efficiently with multiple half-volley efforts that swerved sharply onto edges. Varma’s finesse reached its climax, delivering a blistering hat-trick in the finishing overs that sealed India’s defeat.
Roston Chase got three wickets while also being unbelievably economical•BCCI
Mayank breathes fire
Mayank Yadav responded brilliantly to reverse the tide, attacking relentlessly from the front line. His sharp strokes and aggressive placement exploited gaps in India’s response, proving indispensable once West Indies’ spin bowlers exhausted themselves defending the middle order.
Rutherford, Hope tuck in
A thrilling partnership defined the contest: Rutherford’s calculated aggression combined with a precise stroke rate, while Hunt provided explosive bursts. Their display remains among the finest joint performances of the series, epitomising West Indies’ growing confidence at this stage.
The match concluded with Mayank Yadav sealing three wickets to conclude the night at three for thirty-six for nine wickets, underscoring the value of adaptable, high‑risk cricket. Sidharth Monga – Senior Writer at Cricinfo – provides exclusive coverage of this pivotal win.
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