Hope, Paul Power West Indies to Series-Levelling Win Over India in Hyderabad

West Indies thumped India by 24 runs in the fourth T20I at Hyderabad, courtesy of Shai Hope and Keemo Paul’s remarkable performances. By winning the match, they have levelled the series 2-2, making the upcoming clash in Bengaluru the ultimate series decider.

After winning the toss and batting first, West Indies made full use of the conditions, piling up 247-3 in their 20 overs. Shai Hope led the charge with a superb century, while Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer added quick runs to put India under pressure.

The West Indies captain struck 102 from 50 balls, hitting 4 fours and 9 sixes. This breathtaking innings marked his third century in T20 internationals, which came at an exceptional strike rate of 204.

Apart from Hope, Rutherford also played an aggressive hand, falling just one run short of his half-century. He hit 49 from 26 deliveries, with 4 fours and 3 sixes. Hetmyer then gave the innings another boost, smashing 33 off only 12 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes.

Talking about the bowling performance, India struggled to slow down the scoring rate as the West Indies batters attacked throughout the innings. Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Axar Patel took a wicket apiece, but the rest of the bowling attack failed to make enough of an impact to restrict the visitors.

Coming out to chase the target, the home side also got off to a great start, as Sanju Samson played a superb knock of 56 to put pressure on the West Indies.

However, after his dismissal, the middle order failed to maintain the required run-rate, as the West Indian attack kept taking wickets to gain an edge in the match. Tilak Varma tried to bring some intensity in the chase by scoring 43 runs, however, other batters failed to provide him with the required support.

As a result, India managed to post just 223 in the second innings, with Sanju Samson standing out as their top performer with the bat. From the bowling perspective, Keemo Paul was the main striker for West Indies, as he picked up a great 5-wicket haul while conceding just 41 runs. Due to his remarkable bowling effort, West Indies secured the victory by 24 runs and levelled the T20I series at 2-2.