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The West Indies delivered a masterclass in aggressive batting to overcome India’s imposing total in the second T20 International at Ranchi, securing a six-wicket victory that keeps the series competitive. Chasing 250 runs, the Caribbean side reached 252 for four, completing the chase with nine balls remaining in a display of power-hitting that will be remembered as one of the tournament’s standout performances.
Captain Shai Hope anchored the successful chase with an unbeaten 102 from just 45 deliveries, striking six fours and nine sixes in a commanding innings that earned him Player-of-the-Match honours. The Barbadian sealed victory in style by smashing two sixes in the 19th over, adding to an already impressive tour during which he had reached three figures twice during the preceding ODI leg. His partnership with Sherfane Rutherford proved crucial; the pair combined for 120 runs in a fourth-wicket stand that surpassed the previous T20 International record of 103 set by Dwayne Bravo and Hetmyer.
The West Indies recovered from an early stumble, slipping to five for two before stabilising at 71 for three by the end of the powerplay. Rutherford contributed 84 from 37 balls with seven fours and seven sixes before falling in the 15th over, while Romario Shepherd provided valuable support with an unbeaten 33 that included three fours and three sixes. The Caribbean batsmen cleared the boundary 20 times overall, with 21 fours contributing to 204 runs scored in boundaries alone.
India had posted a competitive 249 for five after winning the toss and electing to bat, with opener Sanju Samson top-scoring on 82 from 41 balls. Tilak Varma struck 44 from 18 deliveries and Ishan Kishan added 43, while captain Shreyas Iyer contributed 40. However, West Indies’ bowling attack, led by Roston Chase’s three wickets for 24 runs and Shamar Springer’s two for 64, kept the hosts within reach. Mayank Yadav proved India’s most effective bowler with three wickets for 36 runs.
The result marked the second-highest successful run chase in T20 International history and continued a pattern on the tour where neither side had won after batting first. The teams now prepare for Sunday’s series-deciding third T20 International in Indore, with the West Indies seeking to complete an unlikely comeback.
The West Indies tour of India has seen competitive cricket throughout, with the T20 series now level after this victory. The Caribbean side had previously competed in an ODI leg of the tour where captain Hope had already scored two centuries, demonstrating consistent form heading into the T20 phase.
This victory showcases the West Indies’ cricket prowess on the international stage and provides inspiration to Caribbean cricket fans. Captain Shai Hope’s performance, leading from the front with aggressive batting, exemplifies the attacking brand of cricket the region has become known for in the modern game.
Sources and attribution
- Barbados Today
- Scorecard | IND v WI, 2nd T20I, 9 Oct | West Indies in India
- Full Scorecard of India vs West Indies 2nd T20I 2026 – Score Report
- Hope, Rutherford lead West Indies to famous victory
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- Hope springs eternal as West Indies pull off their highest chase in T20Is in Ranchi
- Hope, Rutherford fire West Indies to record T20 chase of 250
- Recent Match Report – India vs West Indies 2nd T20I 2026 …
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