Shai Hope produced a commanding batting performance, scoring an unbeaten century to propel West Indies to a formidable 247/3 in 20 overs against India in the fourth T20I. The West Indies captain anchored the innings with a superb 102 not out off 50 balls, combining calculated strokeplay with aggressive hitting to put the hosts under considerable pressure.
Hope’s innings proved central to West Indies’ imposing total, as he controlled the tempo through the middle overs before accelerating towards the finish. His knock provided the foundation for a strong batting display that left India facing a challenging target of 248.
Shai Hope Leads West Indies’ Batting Charge
Hope’s unbeaten 102 came off 50 deliveries and included a series of boundaries and sixes that kept the scoreboard moving throughout the innings. He showed composure when building his innings and increased the scoring rate as West Indies approached the closing overs.
The century underlined Hope’s ability to combine responsibility with attacking intent in the shortest format. Rather than allowing the innings to lose momentum after the early stages, he continued to find scoring opportunities and ensured West Indies finished strongly.
Rutherford and Hetmyer Provide Late Acceleration
Sherfane Rutherford played an important supporting role, finishing unbeaten on 49 off 26 balls. His aggressive approach in the closing stages helped West Indies maintain a high scoring rate and push towards the 250-run mark.
Shimron Hetmyer also made a valuable contribution, striking 33 off just 12 deliveries. His quickfire innings added further impetus to the West Indies effort and increased the pressure on India’s bowling attack.
The contributions from Hope, Rutherford and Hetmyer enabled West Indies to finish on 247/3, giving their bowlers a substantial total to defend.
India Face a Challenging Chase
India entered the chase needing 248 runs to win. The size of the target left little room for a slow start, making early momentum and partnerships crucial to their chances.
Sanju Samson gave India an aggressive start, scoring 56 off 23 balls before his dismissal. His rapid innings briefly raised hopes of a competitive chase, but India still faced a demanding task against a West Indies side defending a powerful total.
With more than 12 runs per over required for much of the chase, India needed sustained attacking contributions while keeping wickets in hand.
IND vs WI 4th T20I: Score Summary
West Indies: 247/3 in 20 overs
Shai Hope: 102* off 50 balls
Sherfane Rutherford: 49* off 26 balls
Shimron Hetmyer: 33 off 12 balls
Target for India: 248 runs
Hope’s Century Sets the Tone
Hope’s century was the defining performance of the West Indies innings, while Rutherford and Hetmyer ensured the hosts finished with considerable momentum. The total gave West Indies a strong position heading into the second innings, although India’s explosive start showed that the chase was far from straightforward.
The fourth T20I now hinged on whether India could sustain their scoring rate and build partnerships capable of bringing them within reach of the 248-run target.
