Hyderabad: West Indies defeated India by 24 runs in the fourth T20I at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here on Wednesday, levelling the five-match series 2-2 after captain Shai Hope’s century and Keemo Paul’s five-wicket haul proved decisive.
Chasing a formidable target of 248, India were restricted to 223 for nine in 19.3 overs despite a rapid half-century from Sanju Samson and a fighting contribution from Tilak Varma.
Earlier, Hope led from the front with an unbeaten 102 off 50 deliveries, including four boundaries and nine sixes, to power West Indies to 247 for three in their allotted 20 overs. Sherfane Rutherford remained unbeaten on 49 off 26 balls, providing crucial support during the closing stages.
India’s bowlers struggled to contain the visitors, with Mayank Yadav conceding 52 runs and Arshdeep Singh also giving away 52 runs, despite claiming a wicket each. Prince Yadav and Axar Patel picked up one wicket apiece.
India began the chase aggressively, with Samson smashing 56 off just 23 balls to give the hosts early momentum. However, West Indies struck at regular intervals to prevent the required run rate from coming under control.
Tilak Varma contributed 43 off 25 deliveries, but the middle order failed to build a decisive partnership. Keemo Paul dismantled the Indian batting line-up with figures of five for 41, while Gudakesh Motie claimed two wickets for 13 runs.
The dismissal of key batters at crucial stages left India struggling to keep pace with the target, and the hosts eventually fell short by 24 runs.
The victory brings the series level at 2-2, setting up a decisive fifth T20I between the two sides.
