West Indies produced one of the most explosive batting displays in recent T20I cricket to defeat India by six wickets in the second match of their five-game series at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.
Chasing a daunting target of 250, the visitors reached 252 for 4 in only 18.3 overs, completing the second-highest successful run chase in the format’s history and leveling the series at 1-1.
India had earlier posted 249 for 5 in their full 20 overs after electing to bat. Sanju Samson led the innings with a rapid 82 off 41 balls, while contributions from Ishan Kishan and others kept the scoreboard moving at a high rate. The total looked imposing under lights, especially with dew expected to assist the chasing side in Ranchi’s higher altitude.
West Indies captain Shai Hope, who won the toss and chose to bowl, then delivered a masterclass. He remained unbeaten on 102 from just 45 deliveries, striking nine sixes and six fours at a strike rate above 226. Sherfane Rutherford matched the aggression with 84 off 37 balls, and the pair’s 120-run partnership for the fourth wicket proved decisive. It was West Indies’ highest fourth-wicket stand in T20Is and the foundation that turned a steep chase into a comfortable finish with nine balls to spare.
The victory ended India’s ten-match winning streak in T20Is and marked their first series loss at home since 2019 in this format. Earlier in the innings, India’s bowlers, including Mayank Yadav and Kuldeep Yadav, had briefly restricted the visitors, but the middle-order fireworks proved too much. Axar Patel’s figures reflected the onslaught as the required rate stayed well within reach once Hope and Rutherford settled.
The result sets up a pivotal third T20I in Indore, where both sides will look to seize momentum in a series that has already produced high-scoring entertainment.
For West Indies, the win offers a major boost after an inconsistent recent run, while India must regroup quickly to protect their strong home record.
