Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford lead record-breaking run chase as Caribbean side levels series against India.
The West Indies delivered a commanding performance in Ranchi, chasing down India’s imposing total of 249-5 to secure a six-wicket victory and level their five-match series. The achievement marks the second-highest successful T20 run chase in international cricket history, according to the Jamaica Observer’s reporting via AFP.
Captain Shai Hope was the architect of the chase, striking an unbeaten 102 off just 45 balls, while left-hander Sherfane Rutherford contributed a brisk 84 from 37 deliveries. The pair’s 120-run fourth-wicket partnership proved decisive, with Hope completing victory by striking his ninth six of the innings to bring up his century with nine balls remaining in the match.
The West Indies had faced early adversity, slipping to 58-3 before Hope and Rutherford took control. Indian speedster Mayank Yadav had struck immediately, removing opener Shimron Hetmyer for a first-ball duck and bowling Rovman Powell with a delivery clocked at 150 km/h. However, the Caribbean batsmen’s aggressive counter-attack overwhelmed India’s bowling attack.
India’s innings had been built on aggressive batting throughout, with opener Sanju Samson striking 82 off 41 balls and captain Shreyas Iyer contributing a rapid 40 off 18 balls. Iyer acknowledged after the match that dew conditions had favoured the chasing side, noting that the wicket offered minimal margin for error. West Indies spinner Roston Chase had earlier restricted India’s momentum by taking three wickets, including removing Ishan Kishan and Shivam Dube.
The victory represents a significant achievement for the West Indies, who now hold the second-best T20 run chase on record. South Africa remains the benchmark holder, having scored 259-4 against the West Indies in Centurion in 2023, while the West Indies’ previous best chase was 231 against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2015.
The West Indies and India are engaged in a five-match T20 series in India. The second match in Ranchi on October 9, 2026 saw the Caribbean side level the series after falling behind 0-1, with the third fixture scheduled for Sunday in Indore.
This victory showcases the West Indies’ continued competitiveness in international T20 cricket and demonstrates the calibre of Caribbean batting talent on the global stage. The record-breaking chase reflects the region’s enduring strength in the shortest format and provides inspiration for cricket development across the Caribbean.
Sources and attribution
- Jamaica Observer
- Hope, Rutherford lead West Indies to famous victory
- Full Scorecard of India vs West Indies 2nd T20I 2026 – Score Report …
- South Africa completes T20 winning chase record with 259-4
- Highest successful run chase in a Twenty20 International …
Written & Edited by Orlyn Edwards. Published by Caribbean Air Force Media.
Category: Sports · Island routing: Jamaica