CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: West Indies produced a remarkable performance in the second T20 International against India in Ranchi, chasing down a 250-run target to secure a historic victory. The Caribbean side defeated India by six wickets and levelled the five-match series 1-1. Captain Shai Hope was the hero of the win, scoring an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls. Sherfane Rutherford supported him with a blistering 84 off 37 balls.
West Indies had made a disastrous start in pursuit of the huge target. Indian fast bowler Mayank Yadav struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Kamil Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer off successive deliveries. The score was only five runs and two wickets had already fallen. Even so, Hope kept faith and brought West Indies back into the contest through key partnerships.
After the match, Hope admitted that chasing the target became challenging after two wickets fell for five runs. He said that while chasing in India, a team can always keep believing it can win, no matter how many runs are on the scoreboard. However, he added that losing two early wickets had certainly made the task tougher.
According to Hope, his partnership with Rovman Powell gave the innings momentum and put the team back in the match. Rutherford then batted aggressively to push West Indies firmly towards victory.
Hope and Rutherford added a crucial 120 runs for the fourth wicket. Rutherford made 84 off 37 balls, while Hope held one end and scored quickly. Their stand disrupted India’s bowling plans and took West Indies close to the historic target.
Hope also praised West Indies spinner Roston Chase. Chase took three wickets for just 24 runs in his four overs. In batting-friendly conditions, his economical spell played an important role in preventing India from reaching an even bigger total.
India, batting first, scored 249 for five in 20 overs. In reply, West Indies made 252 for four in 18.3 overs to win the match. This is West Indies’ highest successful run chase in T20 International cricket. In men’s T20 Internationals, the only higher successful chase was South Africa’s 259 against West Indies in 2023. With this win, West Indies made a comeback in the series. The next match between the two teams will be played in Indore on October 11.
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