India vs West Indies 4th T20I: Match Highlights
- Match: India vs West Indies, 4th T20I
- Date: October 14, 2026
- Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
- West Indies: 247/3 in 20 overs
- India: 223 all out
- Result: West Indies won by 24 runs
- Series score: 2-2
- Player of the Match: Keemo Paul
Shai Hope's Unbeaten Century Powers West Indies to 247
West Indies captain Shai Hope delivered a spectacular batting performance, smashing an unbeaten 102 off just 50 deliveries. His innings included four boundaries and nine sixes, putting India's bowlers under enormous pressure throughout the innings.
Hope combined timing with aggressive stroke play, finding boundaries regularly and accelerating as the innings progressed. He brought up his century with a six off the final ball, giving the West Indies dugout and supporters a memorable finish.
His knock was particularly significant because it was his second century of the series and his third century in T20 internationals. With this performance, Hope became the first West Indies batter to score three centuries in men's T20I cricket.
Sherfane Rutherford Provides Explosive Support
While Hope anchored the innings, Sherfane Rutherford played a crucial role in the final overs. He remained unbeaten on 49 off 26 balls, combining powerful hitting with excellent running between the wickets.
The pair shared an unbeaten partnership of 91 runs off 43 balls, allowing West Indies to finish with a massive total of 247/3. Shimron Hetmyer also contributed a rapid 33 off 12 deliveries, while Rovman Powell added 24 runs.
West Indies' aggressive approach put India's bowling attack under pressure from the powerplay itself. The visitors reached 79/1 in the first six overs and continued scoring at a remarkable rate throughout the innings.
India's bowlers struggled to contain the Caribbean batters, with Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep Singh conceding 52 runs each in their four-over spells.
Sanju Samson Gives India a Flying Start
Chasing 248, India needed a powerful start to remain in contention. Sanju Samson delivered exactly that, scoring a blistering 56 off just 23 balls.
Samson attacked the West Indies bowlers from the beginning, giving India hope of pulling off a remarkable run chase. His aggressive approach kept the required run rate within reach during the early stages.
However, his dismissal proved to be a significant setback. India subsequently lost wickets at regular intervals, making it increasingly difficult to sustain the momentum required to chase such a huge target.
Abhishek Sharma scored 29, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 16. Although India had several capable batters available, the team struggled to build the sustained partnerships necessary to challenge the West Indies total.
Keemo Paul's Five-Wicket Haul Turns the Match Around
The biggest turning point of the match came through West Indies fast bowler Keemo Paul, who dismantled India's batting lineup with a brilliant bowling performance.
Paul claimed five wickets for 41 runs, repeatedly breaking India's momentum when the hosts looked capable of mounting a comeback. His spell included the crucial dismissals of Samson and Ishan Kishan, followed by key breakthroughs during the middle overs.
Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy attempted to revive India's chase with an important 70-run partnership. Tilak contributed 43 runs, while Reddy scored 41, giving India renewed hope after losing early wickets.
However, Paul broke the partnership and continued to strike, removing Reddy and Prince Yadav before completing his five-wicket haul with Axar Patel's dismissal. His performance proved decisive in preventing India from getting close enough to the target.
India Fall Short Despite a Fighting Effort
India's chase began with promise, but the pressure of the required run rate and the loss of wickets at crucial moments made the task increasingly difficult.
Samson's explosive innings gave the hosts an early advantage, but his departure allowed West Indies to regain control. The middle order tried to keep the chase alive, yet India's batters could not maintain the scoring rate against an increasingly confident bowling attack.
West Indies executed their plans effectively during the middle and death overs, restricting India's scoring opportunities and capitalising on important breakthroughs.
India eventually finished on 223, falling 24 runs short of the target of 248. The result highlighted the importance of both West Indies' powerful first-innings total and Paul's outstanding contribution with the ball.
West Indies Level the Five-Match T20I Series 2-2
The victory was a major boost for West Indies, who brought the series level at 2-2 after four matches. Hope's extraordinary century demonstrated the team's batting strength, while Paul's five-wicket haul showcased the effectiveness of its bowling attack.
For India, the defeat will raise questions about bowling discipline and the ability to sustain a high-scoring chase under pressure. The team will need a more consistent performance from both its bowlers and middle order in the final match.
With the series now tied, the fifth T20I becomes a decisive contest. Both teams have an opportunity to claim the series, making the final encounter especially important for players and supporters.
West Indies produced a complete team performance to defeat India by 24 runs in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad. Shai Hope's unbeaten 102, Sherfane Rutherford's explosive contribution and Keemo Paul's five-wicket haul proved to be the defining factors.
India showed flashes of brilliance through Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy, but the team could not overcome the challenge of chasing 248 runs.
The 2-2 series score sets up an exciting final match, with both sides now fighting for the series trophy.
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