West Indies kept the five-match T20I series alive with a 24-run victory over India in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Chasing a formidable target of 248, India were bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs despite aggressive contributions from Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
The victory levelled the series at 2-2, setting up a winner-takes-all fifth T20I in Bengaluru on October 17.
Keemo Paul led the West Indies bowling attack with an outstanding spell of 5/41 in four overs, while Gudakesh Motie claimed two wickets for just 13 runs. Their efforts proved decisive as the visitors recovered from India's attacking start to secure a crucial win.
Shai Hope's Century Powers West Indies to 247/3
West Indies produced a commanding batting performance after being asked to bat first, finishing on 247/3 in their allotted 20 overs.
Captain Shai Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten 102 off 50 balls, striking four fours and nine sixes. His composed yet aggressive knock provided the foundation for one of the most imposing totals of the series.
Sherfane Rutherford supplied the finishing impetus, remaining unbeaten on 49 off 26 deliveries. Shimron Hetmyer added a rapid 33 off just 12 balls, while Rovman Powell scored 24 off 17 and Jewel Andrew contributed 21 off 16.
The West Indies batters maintained pressure on India's bowlers throughout the innings, accelerating during the closing overs to finish with a challenging total of 247/3.
India faced a demanding chase, requiring sustained aggression and substantial partnerships to remain on course.
Sanju Samson Gives India an Explosive Start
India responded positively, with Sanju Samson leading the early charge. The wicketkeeper-batter struck 56 off just 23 deliveries, hitting six fours and four sixes to give the hosts an encouraging start in pursuit of 248.
Samson's attacking approach briefly raised hopes of a successful chase, but his dismissal to Keemo Paul proved an important moment in the innings.
Ishan Kishan made six off three balls, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 16 off 11 deliveries. Abhishek Sharma scored 29 off 24 balls but could not convert his start into a substantial innings.
West Indies continued to take wickets at regular intervals, preventing India from establishing the partnerships needed to maintain the required scoring rate.
Despite the early aggression, the hosts were left needing another significant contribution from their middle order.
Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy Keep India in the Hunt
Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy attempted to revive India's chase with a brisk partnership, keeping the contest alive through the middle stages.
Tilak scored 43 off 25 balls, including two fours and three sixes, while Nitish made 41 off 20 deliveries, striking a four and four sixes.
Both batters attacked with intent, but West Indies found a way to break through at crucial moments. Paul dismissed both Tilak and Nitish, dealing a significant blow to India's hopes of completing the chase.
Paul finished with figures of 5/41, providing the decisive contribution with the ball. Motie's economical spell of 2/13 further restricted India's progress and increased the pressure on the remaining batters.
India's lower order could not produce the late surge required. Axar Patel managed three runs, Prince Yadav was dismissed without scoring, and Arshdeep Singh made five as the innings ended at 223 in 19.3 overs.
West Indies won by 24 runs to level the series.
IND vs WI 4th T20I: Full Score Summary
West Indies: 247/3 in 20 overs
Shai Hope: 102 not out off 50 balls
Sherfane Rutherford: 49 not out off 26 balls
Shimron Hetmyer: 33 off 12 balls
Rovman Powell: 24 off 17 balls
Jewel Andrew: 21 off 16 balls
India: 223 all out in 19.3 overs
Sanju Samson: 56 off 23 balls
Tilak Varma: 43 off 25 balls
Nitish Kumar Reddy: 41 off 20 balls
Abhishek Sharma: 29 off 24 balls
Shreyas Iyer: 16 off 11 balls
West Indies bowling
Keemo Paul: 5/41 in 4 overs
Gudakesh Motie: 2/13 in 2 overs
Romario Shepherd: 1 wicket
Result: West Indies won by 24 runs.
Four Key Moments That Decided the Match
1. Shai Hope's unbeaten century
Hope's 102 not out off 50 balls gave West Indies the platform for a total of 247. His innings combined calculated stroke play with powerful hitting, leaving India with a steep target.
2. Samson's rapid start
Samson's 56 off 23 balls gave India early momentum and kept the required rate within reach during the opening phase. His dismissal, however, denied India the opportunity to build further on that start.
3. Keemo Paul's five-wicket haul
Paul's spell proved decisive in the second innings. By removing key batters at important stages, he disrupted India's chase and prevented the hosts from building a sustained challenge.
4. Gudakesh Motie's economical spell
Motie's two wickets for 13 runs put additional pressure on India. His ability to restrict scoring while taking wickets helped West Indies regain control after the hosts' aggressive start.
What the Result Means for the T20I Series
The victory brings the series level at 2-2 after India entered the fourth T20I with a 2-1 advantage. West Indies responded under pressure, combining Hope's century with a disciplined bowling performance to force a series decider.
For the visitors, the result provides a timely boost ahead of the final match. Hope's form at the top of the order and Paul's impact with the ball will be major positives as they look to complete a turnaround.
India, meanwhile, will need to assess their bowling performance, particularly their inability to contain West Indies during the closing overs. With the bat, Samson, Tilak and Nitish demonstrated their ability to score quickly, but the team could not maintain its momentum as wickets fell during the chase.
The series now comes down to one final match, with both teams having an opportunity to claim the trophy.
What Next? India vs West Indies 5th T20I
The fifth and final T20I will be played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17, with the match scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST.
With the series tied at 2-2, the decider will determine the winner of the five-match contest. West Indies will aim to carry the confidence gained in Hyderabad into the final, while India will look to respond after missing their chance to seal the series.
Hope's batting form will be a key factor for the visitors, while India will hope their top and middle order can turn promising contributions into a match-winning performance.
After an emphatic batting display and a decisive bowling effort in Hyderabad, West Indies have ensured that the series will be settled in Bengaluru.
