West Indies chase 250 against India to level T20I series 1-1

Mayank Yadav’s early strikes fail to stop West Indies’ record chase

West Indies overhauled India’s 249/5 by reaching 253/4 in 18.3 overs, completing a stunning chase of 250 in Ranchi and levelling the three-match T20I series 1-1.

The visitors’ victory was powered by captain Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102 off 45 balls and Sherfane Rutherford’s 84 off 37, in a chase that became the second-highest successful pursuit in men’s T20I history.

Mayank gives India the perfect start

West Indies could hardly have made a worse start to the chase.

Mayank Yadav struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Kamil Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer off consecutive deliveries and putting India firmly on top.

The early wickets gave India control at the beginning of the innings, but Hope refused to allow the setbacks to dictate the contest.

The West Indies captain continued his prolific run of form on the tour, finding boundaries regularly and keeping the required rate within reach.

Rovman Powell offered important support with a brisk 24 off 13 balls, striking at 184.61, as West Indies reached 72 in the Powerplay.

Mayank returned to dismiss Powell, but India were unable to halt the visitors’ momentum.

The two wickets in the opening over and Powell’s dismissal were the key moments in Mayank’s contribution, but West Indies’ response ensured that India’s strong start with the ball did not translate into victory.

Hope and Rutherford change the match

Sherfane Rutherford joined Hope and immediately shifted the contest into another gear.

He attacked both pace and spin, unleashing a barrage of boundaries and sixes that placed India’s bowlers under immense pressure.

Hope and Rutherford added 120 runs off just 54 balls, turning a chase that had begun with two wickets in the opening over into a dominant West Indies performance.

Kuldeep Yadav eventually ended the partnership by removing Rutherford for a breathtaking 84 off 37 deliveries.

Rutherford’s innings had given the chase the acceleration it needed, while Hope remained at the other end to control the pursuit.

With the target still demanding a strong finish, Romario Shepherd came in at No. 5 after leaving the field with a niggle earlier in the match.

His return supplied the late-innings boost West Indies needed as he smashed an unbeaten 34 off 13 balls, including three fours and three sixes.

Hope continued to dictate terms and brought up his century in just 45 balls, completing the milestone with a six over wide long-on.

His unbeaten 102 off 45 deliveries combined power and placement, ensuring that West Indies reached the target with nine balls to spare.

India post their highest T20I total against West Indies

India had earlier made full use of the favourable batting conditions and some wayward bowling to post 249/5, their highest T20I total against West Indies.

Dew set in early, while India’s top order was packed with aggressive options, allowing the hosts to maintain pressure throughout their innings.

Sanju Samson rediscovered his touch after a string of low scores, producing a superb 82 off 41 balls.

His innings provided the early impetus India needed as he attacked from the start and kept the scoring rate high.

Ishan Kishan added 43 off 22 balls before his dismissal briefly slowed India’s progress.

That pause did not last long.

Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma then took charge at the death, scoring 40 off 18 balls and 44 off 18 balls respectively.

The pair combined for an explosive 83-run stand off only 33 balls, pushing India towards the 250 mark and leaving West Indies with what appeared to be a daunting target.

Roston Chase was the visitors’ standout bowler with three wickets, while Shamar Springer claimed two wickets.

West Indies move to Indore

West Indies finished on 253/4 in 18.3 overs, recording their highest successful run chase in the format.

Only South Africa’s successful chase of 259 against West Indies in 2023 stands higher in men’s T20I history.

The result also added another major chase to West Indies’ tour after they had earlier pursued 352 against India in New Chandigarh for their highest successful ODI chase.

Hope was once again at the heart of the performance, leading the visitors to a result that levelled the T20I series at 1-1.

The series will now move to Indore for the third T20I on 11 October.