CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: India suffered a 24-run defeat against the West Indies in the fourth T20 International played in Hyderabad. In the match played on October 14, the West Indies batted first and scored 247 runs in 20 overs. In reply, India were bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs. With this win, the West Indies levelled the five-match series 2-2.
India faltered after Sanju Samson’s explosive innings while chasing a target of 248. Samson gave India a rapid start, scoring 56 runs off just 23 balls, including six fours and four sixes. In the early overs, Indian batters maintained the run rate and raised hopes of reaching the target. However, after Samson’s wicket fell, the West Indies bowlers began to take control of the match. Keemo Paul dealt blows to the Indian innings by dismissing Samson and Ishan Kishan. After that, India continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.
Tilak Varma’s wicket proved to be a crucial turning point. In the middle order, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy kept India’s hopes alive with a partnership. Their 70-run stand kept the Indian team in the contest. But after Tilak Varma was dismissed, the pressure increased. Sanju Samson later also described Tilak’s wicket as an important turning point in the match. Nitish Kumar Reddy fought on with 41 runs, but after his dismissal, India’s hopes of victory suffered a major setback. The West Indies bowlers took wickets consistently in the final overs to halt the Indian innings.
Keemo Paul turned the match with a five-wicket haul and his bowling proved decisive in the West Indies’ win. He took five wickets for 41 runs in four overs. His spell broke India’s batting order and denied the chasing side any chance of a comeback. Earlier, West Indies captain Shai Hope batted brilliantly, scoring an unbeaten 102 off 50 balls. His innings included four fours and nine sixes. Sherfane Rutherford also made an important contribution with an unbeaten 49, helping the team reach 247.
All eyes are now on the fifth match. After India’s defeat in the fourth T20, the five-match series is level at 2-2. The deciding fifth match between the two teams is scheduled to be played in Bengaluru on October 17. For the Indian team, consistency in batting and improvement in bowling will be important, while the West Indies will look to maintain their winning momentum.
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