Oct 2026 : West Indies pulled off a remarkable chase to defeat India by four wickets in the second T20I in Ranchi on Thursday, hunting down a daunting target of 250 in just 18.3 overs. The victory levelled the five-match series 1-1.
Chasing India’s imposing total of 249/5, the visitors suffered an early setback when young pacer Mayank Yadav struck twice in his opening over. However, captain Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford turned the match around with a spectacular counter-attack, forging a blistering 120-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Hope remained unbeaten on a magnificent 102 off just 45 deliveries, smashing six fours and nine sixes. Rutherford contributed a breathtaking 84 off 37 balls, hitting seven fours and seven sixes before being dismissed.
Hope finished the chase in emphatic fashion, bringing up his century with a six that also sealed the victory. The result marked West Indies’ highest successful chase in T20 cricket and the second-highest run chase in international T20 history.
Earlier, India, asked to bat first, piled up 249/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Sanju Samson top-scored with a fluent 82 off 41 balls, striking nine fours and four sixes. Ishan Kishan provided momentum with 43, while Shreyas Iyer scored 40. Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 44, helping India post a formidable total.
Despite Mayank Yadav claiming three wickets, the Indian bowling attack struggled to contain the West Indies batters. Hope and Rutherford capitalised on the scoring opportunities, putting the hosts under sustained pressure and ensuring the visitors completed the chase comfortably.
The result will give West Indies considerable momentum as the teams prepare for the next encounter. India will look to regroup and address their bowling concerns after failing to defend a total approaching 250.
The third T20I of the five-match series will be played at Holkar Stadium in Indore on October 11.
