IND vs WIThe West Indies continue their strong performance in the T20 series against India. Despite losing the ODI series, the West Indies have managed to level the T20 series marking the second time they have fought back to square the contest. In the fourth T20 match held in Hyderabad, the West Indies defeated Team India by 24 runs, powered by an exceptional batting display.
With this, the five-match series is now level at 2-2. West Indies captain Shai Hope scored his second century of the series, while all-rounder Keemo Paul took 5 wickets, preventing Team India from reaching the target.
Wednesday, October 14, began on a delightful note for the Indian team, as it was head coach Gautam Gambhir’s birthday. Turning 45, Gambhir had just one wish from his team a victory.
A win in the fourth T20 match in Hyderabad would have secured the series for Team India, making the celebrations for coach Gambhir’s birthday all the more special. However, West Indies captain Shai Hope (102 runs off 50 balls) who has been a persistent thorn in the side of the Indian team throughout this tour dashed all those hopes.
Hope’s Memorable Century; Others Shine Too
Expectations of explosive batting at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium were met in full. After losing the toss, the West Indies were sent in to bat, but captain Hope turned this situation to his advantage.
Having already scored two centuries in the ODI series, Hope went on to register another century in this T20 series. In the second T20, he had reached his century and secured victory for his team by hitting a six. This time, while batting first, he completed his century by striking a six off the very last ball of the innings.
In addition to Hope, Sherfane Rutherford (49) batted aggressively once again, forging a 91-run partnership with the captain. Along with them, Shimron Hetmyer (33) and Jewel Andrew (21) also contributed to the substantial total with some brisk batting. Consequently, the West Indies set a target of 247 runs for India. For India, only Prince Yadav (1/36) managed to bowl with any real impact.
Sanju’s Storm, Then Keemo Paul Turns the Match
Sanju Samson provided an explosive start for Team India, smashing a half-century in just 20 balls and propelling the team past the 50-run mark by the third over. It appeared as though India would successfully chase down the target, but the narrative shifted abruptly in the fourth over.
Keemo Paul claimed the wickets of both Samson and Ishan Kishan in that over. Captain Shreyas Iyer and Abhishek Sharma attempted to maintain the scoring rate but were unsuccessful; Iyer, too, was dismissed shortly after.
Meanwhile, having faced only four deliveries in the first five overs, Abhishek struggled to find his rhythm and headed back to the pavilion in the 12th over. In the same over, Gudakesh Motie dealt India a major blow by dismissing Naman Dhir on the very next ball. India had lost five wickets for just 130 runs.
However, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy then stitched together a blistering 70-run partnership. The stand and with it, India’s hopes of victory came to an end when Tilak was dismissed in the 17th over. In the 19th over, Keemo Paul delivered a stellar performance, taking three wickets to seal India’s defeat. Team India finished with a total of 223 runs.
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