West Indies produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat India by 24 runs in the fourth T20I at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, levelling the five-match series at 2-2 and setting up a high-stakes decider in Bengaluru on Saturday.
After India won the toss and elected to field, West Indies unleashed a batting masterclass. Captain Shai Hope led from the front with a scintillating unbeaten 102 off just 50 balls, laced with four fours and nine sixes. His innings, combined with a rapid 49 not out from Sherfane Rutherford (26 balls) and aggressive cameos from Shimron Hetmyer (33 off 12) and Rovman Powell, propelled the visitors to a formidable 247 for 3 in their 20 overs.
The total proved too steep for India. Despite a fiery start from Sanju Samson, who blazed 56 off 23 balls, the hosts’ chase faltered under pressure. Keemo Paul was the destroyer with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul that included crucial strikes at key moments, as India were restricted to 223 in 19.3 overs. The loss of early momentum after Samson’s dismissal, followed by regular wickets, meant the target of 248 remained out of reach.
This result marks a significant fightback for West Indies, who had earlier pulled off a record chase in Ranchi before India restored their lead with a 14-run win in Indore. Hope’s second century of the series underscores his exceptional form, while the bowling unit, led by Paul’s precision at the death, finally found the consistency needed to defend a big total on a batting-friendly surface.
With the series now perfectly balanced, both teams head to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for the fifth and final T20I on October 17.
For world champions India, the challenge is to regroup their batting order and rediscover the bowling edge that secured earlier victories.
West Indies, buoyed by this confidence-boosting win, will fancy their chances of sealing a rare series triumph on Indian soil.
The stage is set for a fitting finale in a series that has delivered high scores, individual brilliance, and shifting momentum throughout.
Fans can expect another high-octane contest as the teams battle for bragging rights and series supremacy.
