Alas, there were just too many runs to get in the end, though Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy tried their best but West Indies had the upper hand, winning the 4th T20I by 24 runs in Hyderabad.

Caribbean storm strikes early bringing all the firepower

The Windies batters came out with great positive intent, smashing everything that came their way. With boundaries flowing and the run rate soaring, the visitors brought their trademark power-hitting to the fore. Initially, the Men in Blue were left searching for answers as nothing seemed to go according to their plan. Shai Hope-Jewel Andrew stitched 52 runs opening stand and before one knew, West Indies were 79/1 in their first six overs of powerplay.

Further, Shimron Hetmyer 33(12) played some outstanding shots… but a terrific caught and bowled effort from Prince Yadav ensured his stay at the crease was cut short.

Shai Hope’s century… lights up Hyderabad

West Indies skipper and run machine Shai Hope unleashed a breathtaking display of power and precision smashing a blazing century to help his side garner plenty of runs. He smashed boundaries with remarkable ease, mixing elegant strokes with brute force. He led from the front with a statement knock of 102 not out in 50 balls, which included four fours and nine sixes. He was ably supported by Sherfane Rutherford 49*(26) and together they stitched a partnership of 91 runs which helped West Indies reach 247/3 in 20 overs.

Sanju’s half ton fuels India’s charge early on

Finding his rhythm quickly, opener Sanju Samson produced his A game… crafting a cracking half-ton that blended composure with attacking intent. He took on the Windies bowlers from the very first ball, piercing the gaps and finding the big hits. A promising start from Sanju ensured India were ahead of the run rate. He later perished after scoring a quickfire 56(23), SR-243.48.

Keemo Paul-Gudakesh Motie apply the breaks

Just when it looked like India were racing away at one stage, the West Indies bowlers struck back. First Keemo Paul picked the wicket of Sanju Samson followed by Ishan Kishan during the fifth over. Gudakesh Motie also chipped in with crucial back-to-back wickets, the dangerous Abhishek Sharma was dismissed on 29 and then Naman Dhir was stumped. India found themselves at 130/5 in 11.4 overs.

Tilak-Nitish cameos go in vain, as West Indies equal series 2-2

Tilak Varma’s 43(25) along with Nitish Reddy’s 41(20) wasn’t enough on the given day. They tried their best, going for the big hits and shifting gears when necessary. But the runs were just too many to get in the end.  

Kemo Paul’s magic continued with the ball, as he grabbed a fifer (5/41) in his four overs spell, ensuring West Indies had the upper hand especially during the middle and death overs phase. In the end, the visitors curbed the runs well, winning the contest by 24 runs.

Brief Scores

West Indies: 247/3 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 102*, Sherfane Rutherford 49*; Prince Yadav 1/36) won against India: 223/9 in 19.3 overs (Sanju Samson 56, Tilak Varma 43, Nitish Reddy 41; Keemo Paul 5/41) by 24 runs.