Hyderabad, October 14, 2026: West Indies captain Shai Hope delivered a sensational batting performance against India, smashing an unbeaten century in the fourth T20 International at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday. His explosive knock helped West Indies post a massive 247/3 in 20 overs, leaving India with a challenging target of 248 runs.
Hope's outstanding innings once again demonstrated his ability to combine composure with aggressive stroke play. The West Indies skipper dominated the Indian bowling attack, found boundaries regularly and accelerated in the closing overs to put his team in a commanding position.
Shai Hope Scores 102 Runs off 50 Balls
Hope remained unbeaten on 102 runs off just 50 deliveries (4 fours ,9 sixes) , producing a remarkable innings under the lights in Hyderabad. He reached his century in dramatic fashion on the final ball of the West Indies innings, hitting a six to bring up the milestone.
The innings was particularly significant because Hope continued his exceptional run during the India tour. Having already scored centuries in the ODI series, the West Indies captain maintained his impressive form in the T20I format and once again proved his value as a leader and top-order batter.
His century was also his third in T20 internationals, making him the first West Indies batter to achieve three centuries in the format. Legendary West Indies batters Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis have each scored two T20I centuries.
West Indies Batters Put Indian Bowlers Under Pressure
West Indies made an aggressive start after India won the toss and elected to bowl first. Hope and young opener Jewel Andrew attacked from the beginning, taking advantage of the batting-friendly conditions.
The visitors scored 79 runs in the powerplay, putting immediate pressure on India's bowling attack. Andrew contributed to the quick start before the Indian bowlers managed to take wickets and slow the innings temporarily.
However, Hope continued to control the innings, ensuring that the scoring rate remained high. The West Indies batters maintained their attacking approach throughout the 20 overs and finished with 247 runs for the loss of three wickets.
Sherfane Rutherford Provides Strong Support
Sherfane Rutherford played a crucial supporting role during the closing stages of the innings. He scored an unbeaten 49 off 26 balls and combined with Hope to add an unbroken 91-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Their partnership gave West Indies the momentum needed to push beyond the 240-run mark. Rutherford's powerful hitting complemented Hope's controlled aggression and made it difficult for India to contain the scoring in the final overs.
West Indies finished with their second-highest T20I total against India, underlining the effectiveness of their aggressive batting strategy.
Shai Hope Reaches the 2,000-Run Milestone in T20Is
Hope's century also brought another important achievement. With a six on the final delivery, he crossed the 2,000-run mark in men's T20 internationals, becoming the fourth West Indies batter to reach the milestone.
He joined Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran and Brandon King in the exclusive group of West Indies players with more than 2,000 T20I runs.
This achievement adds to Hope's growing reputation as one of the most influential batters in the West Indies setup. His ability to build an innings while maintaining a high scoring rate has been a major factor in the team's recent performances.
India Face a Challenging Target of 248 Runs
After West Indies finished at 247/3, India were set a target of 248 runs to win the fourth T20I. The total placed considerable pressure on the Indian batting lineup, which needed a strong start and sustained aggression to remain in contention.
India's bowlers struggled to control the scoring rate, while Hope and Rutherford capitalised on scoring opportunities. With the visitors producing another powerful batting display, the match moved into a crucial phase as India began their chase.
The result of the chase will determine whether India can respond to West Indies' imposing total and how the contest affects the ongoing T20I series.
Shai Hope's unbeaten 102 off 50 balls was the highlight of the fourth T20I between India and West Indies in Hyderabad. His third T20I century, combined with Rutherford's explosive 49 not out, powered the visitors to an imposing 247/3.
Hope's performance was significant not only for the runs he scored but also for the records he achieved and the pressure he placed on India's bowling attack. With 248 runs required for victory, India faced a demanding challenge in a match that showcased the power and confidence of West Indies' batting lineup.
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