West Indies produced one of the greatest chases in T20 history as they hunted down India’s imposing total of 249/5 in just 18.3 overs with four wickets in hand in the second T20I in Ranchi on Thursday. The emphatic victory leveled the five-match series 1-1.
Chasing 250, the visitors were rocked early when young pacer Mayank Yadav struck twice in his first over. However, captain Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford launched a breathtaking counter-attack. The pair added a blistering 120-run partnership for the fourth wicket that completely transformed the contest.
Hope remained unbeaten on a magnificent 102 off just 45 balls, laced with six fours and nine sixes. Rutherford smashed 84 from 37 deliveries (7 fours, 7 sixes) before departing. Hope sealed the win in style with a six that also brought up his century, marking West Indies’ highest successful chase in T20 cricket and the second-highest chase in international T20 history.
Earlier, India, put into bat, posted a formidable 249/5 in 20 overs. Sanju Samson led the charge with a fluent 82 off 41 balls (9 fours, 4 sixes). Useful contributions came from Ishan Kishan (43), Shreyas Iyer (40) and Tilak Varma (44 not out). Despite Mayank Yadav’s three wickets, the rest of the Indian bowling attack leaked runs heavily and failed to defend the total.
The third T20I of the series will be played at Holkar Stadium in Indore on October 11.
West Indies Script History with Record Chase; Hope Century Floors India in Ranchi
