Hope’s Ton Gives West Indies Hope of India Upset

West Indies captain's unbeaten century and Rutherford’s explosive 49 power visitors to 247; early strikes could put India’s daunting chase in jeopardy

Sports Desk

HYDERABAD: West Indies captain Shai Hope launched the final two balls of his century innings for sixes to finish unbeaten on 102 and propel West Indies to a mammoth 247 for three against India in the fourth T20 International on Wednesday, giving the visitors a strong chance of pulling off an upset against the hosts.

Hope’s breathtaking knock, featuring four fours and nine sixes, came off just 50 balls as West Indies hammered the Indian bowlers throughout their 20 overs after India elected to field. His late flourish not only brought up his century but also gave the visitors a formidable total to defend in a high-scoring contest.

With 248 required for victory, India face a daunting challenge. West Indies will look to exploit the pressure by striking early in the powerplay and removing key Indian batters before they can settle. A couple of quick wickets could dramatically shift the balance in favour of the visitors.

Hope found an ideal partner in Sherfane Rutherford, who remained unbeaten on 49 from 26 deliveries, striking four fours and three sixes. The pair added an unbroken 91-run stand for the fourth wicket, transforming an already imposing total into a daunting target during the closing overs.

West Indies crossed the 200-run mark in the 17th over and finished with 247 at a remarkable run rate of 12.35, scoring 70 runs in the final five overs without losing a wicket.

The visitors made an explosive start, racing to 79 for one in the mandatory powerplay. Jewel Andrew contributed 21 off 16 balls before falling to Axar Patel, but Hope continued to dominate as West Indies maintained a high scoring rate.

Shimron Hetmyer then provided further acceleration with a blistering 33 off just 12 deliveries, including four fours and two sixes, before being caught and bowled by Prince Yadav. Rovman Powell added 24 from 17 balls before Arshdeep Singh dismissed him, leaving West Indies at 156 for three in 12.5 overs.

However, India could not capitalise on the breakthrough. Hope and Rutherford punished the bowling attack in the final seven overs, ensuring West Indies finished with a total that will require an exceptional response from the Indian batting line-up. For India, Prince Yadav was the most economical bowler among those completing their four-over spells, taking one wicket for 36 runs. Patel claimed one for 45, while Arshdeep Singh finished with one for 52. Mayank Yadav conceded 52 runs without taking a wicket, while Nitish Kumar Reddy gave away 39 in three overs.

India now need their top order to deliver a powerful start, but West Indies will be confident that early breakthroughs could turn the chase into an uphill battle. With Hope in outstanding form and a substantial total on the board, the visitors have given themselves a genuine opportunity to challenge India on their home ground.