Hope, Rutherford Power West Indies to Historic Six-Wicket Win Over India
RANCHI: West Indies produced a stunning batting exhibition to defeat India by six wickets in the second T20I in Ranchi, successfully chasing a daunting target of 250 in just 18.3 overs to level the five-match series 1-1.
Captain Shai Hope led the Caribbean charge with a sensational unbeaten 102 off just 45 deliveries, while Sherfane Rutherford hammered 84 from 37 balls to turn what appeared to be an uphill chase into a remarkable victory. Their explosive 120-run partnership proved decisive, dismantling India’s bowling attack and shifting the momentum dramatically in favour of the visitors.
West Indies endured an early setback when Mayank Yadav’s fiery opening spell reduced them to 58/3. However, Hope remained composed amid the pressure, combining calculated strokeplay with aggressive hitting. Rutherford provided the acceleration, punishing loose deliveries and clearing the boundary repeatedly. Their partnership transformed the contest before Romario Shepherd delivered the finishing blow with an explosive 34 off just 13 balls.
Hope’s century, featuring nine sixes and six fours, underlined his remarkable control and power. Rutherford’s innings ensured that the required run rate never became an insurmountable obstacle. West Indies completed the chase with nine balls remaining, registering an emphatic win in a contest dominated by extraordinary batting.
Earlier, India had posted a formidable 249/5 after being invited to set the target. Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 82 off 41 balls, providing the innings with momentum through aggressive strokeplay. Ishan Kishan contributed 43, while Shreyas Iyer added a brisk 40 to keep India firmly on course for a massive total.
Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 44, supplying the late acceleration that pushed India close to the 250-run mark. Despite the imposing total, India’s bowlers struggled to contain the West Indies batters on a surface that rewarded attacking cricket.
Roston Chase was the standout performer among the West Indies bowlers, claiming three wickets for 24 runs in his four overs and helping prevent India from crossing an even higher total.
The result highlighted West Indies’ extraordinary chasing ability and exposed India’s difficulties in defending a substantial score. With the series now level at 1-1, the remaining three matches promise an absorbing contest as both sides look to seize the advantage.
