Hope, Rutherford lead West Indies to famous victory

Scorecard

It was a night of extraordinary hitting in Ranchi as West Indies pulled off a stunning chase of 250, reaching the target in just 18.3 overs. Captain Shai Hope led from the front with a magnificent 102 off 45 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford’s 84 off 37 set the chase alight.

Despite losing two wickets in the opening over, the visitors found their footing quickly and produced a remarkable batting display to level the three-match T20I series 1-1. Only South Africa’s successful chase of 259 against West Indies in 2023 stands higher in men’s T20I history.

"We need to find a way to try and stop the opposition, especially when they lost two wickets in the first over and then lost three in the first six," India head coach Gautam Gambhir said post-match.

"Obviously it was tough. But again, credit to West Indies, the way Sherfane Rutherford and Shai Hope batted. We know that they are world-class batters, especially in this format. So obviously it was tough on us, but we are going to keep improving."

Put in to bat, India made full use of the favourable batting conditions and some wayward bowling to post 249/5, their highest T20I total against West Indies. With dew setting in early and their top order packed with aggressive options, the hosts kept the pressure on the visitors throughout the innings.

After a string of low scores, Sanju Samson rediscovered his touch with a superb 82 off 41 balls. His innings provided the early impetus India needed, as he attacked from the start of the innings and ensured the scoring rate remained high. Ishan Kishan (43 off 22 balls) also made a valuable contribution before his dismissal briefly slowed India's progress.

That lull did not last long. Shreyas Iyer (40 off 18 balls) and Tilak Varma (44 off 18 balls) took charge at the death, combining for an explosive 83-run stand off just 33 balls. Their late assault propelled India towards the 250 mark and left West Indies with a daunting target.

Roston Chase was the standout bowler for the visitors to finish with three wickets. Shamar Springer also picked up two wickets.

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 to put India firmly on top.

But Hope refused to let the early setbacks dictate the innings. The skipper continued his prolific run of form on tour, finding boundaries regularly and keeping the required rate within reach. Rovman Powell provided valuable support with a brisk 24 off 13 balls, striking at 184.61, as West Indies raced to 72 in the Powerplay. Mayank returned to dismiss Powell, but the hosts were unable to break the momentum.

Sherfane Rutherford joined Hope and immediately shifted the contest into another gear. Taking on both pace and spin, Rutherford unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes, putting India’s bowlers under immense pressure. The pair added 120 runs off just 54 balls before Kuldeep Yadav finally broke the partnership by removing Rutherford for a breathtaking 84 off 37 deliveries.

With the chase still demanding a strong finish, Romario Shepherd stepped in at No. 5 after leaving the field with a niggle earlier in the match. His return provided exactly the late-innings boost West Indies needed, as he smashed an unbeaten 34 off just 13 balls, including three fours and three sixes.

At the other end, Hope continued to dictate terms. He brought up his century in just 45 balls, capping a remarkable innings with a six over wide long-on. His unbeaten 102 off 45 deliveries featured a relentless mix of power and placement, ensuring the target was reached with 9 balls to spare.

West Indies finished on 253/4 in 18.3 overs, completing the second-highest successful chase in men’s T20I cricket and registering their highest successful run chase in the format. 

Having chased down 352 against India in New Chandigarh earlier in the tour to record their highest successful ODI chase, West Indies delivered another remarkable run chase in Ranchi. With Hope once again at the heart of the performance, the visitors levelled the T20I series at 1-1 to now move to Indore for the third T20I on 11 October.