West Indies have won the 2nd T20 from India by 6 wickets. Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford star as West Indies chase a record 259 to win with nine balls remaining.
West Indies produced another remarkable run chase, defeating India in Ranchi to register the highest successful chase in their T20I history.
After chasing down 352 in the recent ODI, the visitors once again overcame a huge target. This time, they hunted down India’s imposing total with nine balls to spare.
Shai Hope played another decisive role, while Sherfane Rutherford powered the chase with an explosive innings. The victory also put West Indies among the teams with the biggest successful run chases in T20I cricket.
West Indies captain Shai Hope chose to bowl first as dew began to settle before the match.
Sanju Samson made the most of his opportunities after surviving two dropped catches. The Indian batter was put down on six and 42, giving him the chance to end his difficult run of scores.
Samson responded with an impressive 82. His innings gave India a strong foundation, although West Indies managed to slow the scoring during the middle overs.
However, India finished with a powerful late surge.
Shreyas Iyer and vice-captain Tilak Varma attacked the bowling in the closing stages. Their acceleration helped India post their highest-ever T20I total against West Indies.
Roston Chase stood out among the bowlers. He returned figures of 3/24 from his four overs, while the other bowlers struggled to contain India’s batters.
West Indies made an aggressive start to the chase.
India’s Mayank Yadav responded with a strong comeback after a difficult outing in Lucknow. He claimed three wickets inside the Powerplay.
Nevertheless, West Indies scored 72 runs in the first six overs and stayed firmly in the contest.
The turning point came through a massive 120-run partnership. Rutherford took the attack to India, while Hope provided steady support at the other end.
Rutherford received a reprieve on 38. India paid heavily for the missed opportunity as he launched a fierce assault on the bowling.
He eventually departed for 84, but his innings had placed West Indies in a commanding position.
Hope once again proved central to West Indies’ success.
After allowing Rutherford to lead the charge, the captain took greater control as the innings progressed. He found boundaries regularly and kept the chase moving at the required pace.
Romario Shepherd joined Hope for the closing stages. The pair ensured that Rutherford’s efforts did not go to waste.
Hope also brought up a century as West Indies moved towards the target with confidence.
West Indies eventually sealed the win over India with nine balls remaining, completing the biggest successful chase in their T20I history.
India had every reason to believe their total would be enough, particularly in conditions where dew could make defending difficult.
However, West Indies’ power hitting proved decisive.
India struck 13 sixes during their innings. West Indies went even further, clearing the boundary 20 times.
That difference helped the visitors overcome India’s imposing score.
West Indies have now followed their record ODI chase with another landmark victory.
Hope featured prominently in both triumphs, while Rutherford’s explosive contribution proved crucial in Ranchi.
The result highlights the depth of West Indies’ batting power and gives the team another major confidence boost.
India, meanwhile, will need to review their bowling and fielding after failing to defend a huge total in 2nd T20 against West Indies.
Only South Africa’s 259-run effort against West Indies in 2023 stands above this chase in the T20I format, according to the supplied match commentary.