Read the complete match report of the 4th T20I between India and West Indies in Hyderabad, featuring Shai Hope’s record ton and Keemo Paul’s five-wicket haul.
Hope and Paul star as West Indies level the series
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad witnessed a breathtaking exhibition of power-hitting and tactical mastery as the West Indies defeated India by 24 runs in the fourth T20I. With this high-scoring triumph, the visitors leveled the five-match series 2-2, setting up a thrilling series decider in Bengaluru.
Shai Hope anchored the innings with a majestic unbeaten century, while Keemo Paul delivered a historic bowling performance that dismantled the Indian batting lineup.
Hope lights up Hyderabad with a record-breaking ton
After losing the toss, the West Indies set a daunting target of 247 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs. Shai Hope led the charge with a magnificent 102 not out off just 50 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and nine towering sixes.
Reaching his milestone with a massive hit off the final ball, Hope etched his name in history by becoming the first West Indies player to score three T20I hundreds.
He found stellar support from Sherfane Rutherford, who played a blazing unbeaten knock of 49 runs from 26 balls. Shimron Hetmyer contributed a brisk 33 off 12 deliveries, while Jewel Andrew chipped in with 21. Despite Prince Yadav picking up 1 for 36, the Indian bowling attack leaked runs heavily, with Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep Singh conceding 52 runs apiece, allowing the Caribbean side to post their highest total of the tour. See also:Â Brilliant Abhishek Sharma Knock Sets Up 14-Run Victory for India
Samson’s early blitz meets Paul’s historic five-for
Chasing a massive target of 248, India started aggressively as Sanju Samson tore into the bowling attack. Samson raced to 56 off just 23 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes to electrify the home crowd.
However, Keemo Paul changed the course of the match in the fifth over by dismissing Samson. Paul continued to wreak havoc, finishing with career-best figures of 5 for 41 in his four overs, making him the first West Indies bowler to claim multiple T20I five-wicket hauls.
Abhishek Sharma contributed 29, and Tilak Varma fought valiantly with a 25-ball 43, alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, who smashed 41 off 20. Gudakesh Motie also applied the brakes with crucial wickets, finishing with 2 for 13. Despite deep-order resistance, India were bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs.
The road to the Bengaluru decider
This victory marks a notable turnaround for the West Indies on this tour, as every match they have won has featured an unbeaten masterclass from Shai Hope. Having successfully defended a target for the first time on this trip, momentum is firmly with the visitors. India will need to address their middle-order collapses and death-bowling vulnerabilities quickly as both teams travel to Bengaluru for the showdown.