The Caribbean side chased down India’s imposing total of 249-5, finishing on 252-4 in 18.3 overs to level the five-match series at 1-1.
Hope struck an unbeaten 102 off just 45 deliveries, while Sherfane Rutherford delivered an explosive 84 from 37 balls as West Indies completed the second-highest successful run chase in men’s T20 international history.
Sanju Samson powers India to 249
India made an aggressive start after being asked to bat, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma putting on 42 runs in the opening 24 deliveries.
Samson continued his assault, scoring 82 off 41 balls, including nine fours and four sixes. Ishan Kishan also contributed 43 from 22 deliveries to keep India’s scoring rate high.
After India lost wickets in the middle overs, Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma combined for a late surge, adding 83 runs from just 32 balls.
Iyer scored 40 off 18 deliveries, while Varma remained unbeaten on 44 from 18 balls as India finished on 249-5.
Hope leads West Indies’ extraordinary response
West Indies suffered an early setback when Mayank Yadav dismissed Kamil Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer with successive deliveries in the opening over.
Rovman Powell and Hope helped stabilise the innings, but Powell fell for 24, leaving the visitors needing a substantial partnership to keep the chase alive.
That partnership arrived through Hope and Rutherford, who added 120 runs for the fourth wicket to transform the contest.
Hope combined calculated stroke play with powerful hitting, reaching his century from just 45 deliveries. His unbeaten 102 included nine sixes and six fours.
Rutherford’s explosive innings changes the game
Rutherford provided the attacking impetus West Indies needed, smashing 84 off 37 balls, with seven sixes and seven fours.
The left-hander capitalised on a missed opportunity when he was dropped on 38, punishing India’s bowlers as the required run rate remained within reach.
Although Kuldeep Yadav eventually dismissed Rutherford, the damage had been done. Romario Shepherd then supplied the finishing touches with 34 off 13 deliveries, helping West Indies cross the line with nine balls remaining.
West Indies level series after historic victory
The six-wicket victory gave West Indies their highest successful T20 international chase, surpassing their previous best in the format. Only South Africa’s successful chase of 259 against the West Indies in 2023 remains higher in men’s T20 international cricket.
The result also levelled the five-match series at 1-1 after India won the opening match.
Both teams will return to action on Sunday, 11 October, when the third T20 international takes place in Indore. With the series evenly poised, the next encounter will provide another opportunity for either side to take the lead.