Key Takeaways
- Shai Hope scored an unbeaten 102 to guide West Indies to a 24-run victory over India.
- Keemo Paul took five wickets for 41 runs, bowling out India for 223.
- The win levels the five-match series at 2-2, setting up a decisive final match.
Shai Hope led the West Indies to a series-levelling 24-run win over India in the fourth T20 International, played in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The victory, which came after Sanju Samson's 56 off 23 balls, brought the series to a 2-2 deadlock.
Hope’s unbeaten 102, his third T20 International hundred and second of the series, was instrumental in the West Indies' 247-3. He shared a 91-run unbroken stand with Sherfane Rutherford, who finished unbeaten on 49 not out.
The West Indies started strongly but lost Jewel Andrew for 21. Shimron Hetmyer, who contributed 33 off 12 balls, joined Hope, and the pair’s quick partnership kept the momentum going. Rovman Powell added 24 off 17 balls, ensuring the West Indies maintained their power.
Despite the early loss, the West Indies managed to post a competitive total. Hope’s innings, which included hitting Nitish Kumar Reddy for successive sixes to bring up his century with the final ball of the innings, was a highlight of the match.
Keemo Paul’s bowling performance was equally impressive. The West Indies pace bowler took five wickets for 41 runs, helping to bowl out India for 223. His figures were crucial in securing the win for the West Indies.
Post-match, Keemo Paul expressed confidence in the team’s abilities, stating, 'I think all the guys, we back our skills and we feel we could beat any team on our day. So, it’s just about staying calm and believing in ourselves, and I think we’re doing that really well.'
The West Indies now look forward to the decisive final match in Bengaluru, where they will aim to clinch the series. The match is set to be a thrilling conclusion to the series, with both teams showing their strength in different formats.
The series has been closely contested, with India having won the first two matches and the West Indies taking the next two. The final match is expected to be a high-stakes affair, with both teams determined to secure the series victory.
I think all the guys, we back our skills and we feel we could beat any team on our day.
Keemo Paul, West Indies pace bowler
