Shai Hope’s unbeaten ton powers West Indies to record-breaking chase against India
West Indies produced a stunning batting performance to chase down a mammoth target of 250 against India, winning the second T20I in Ranchi with nine balls to spare. At the heart of the remarkable victory was Shai Hope, whose unbeaten 102 off just 45 balls guided the visitors to pull off second successful run chases in T20I history and levelling 5 match series 1-1.
India had put up a formidable total of 249, powered by Sanju Samson’s explosive 82 and valuable contributions from Shreyas Iyer (40) and Tilak Varma (44). With a daunting target ahead, West Indies needed an exceptional batting effort to stay in the contest and they delivered in spectacular fashion. Rutherford and Hope turn the tide.
India made an early impact with the ball, reducing West Indies to 5 for 2 and putting the visitors under immediate pressure. However, Shai Hope held his nerve and joined forces with Sherfane Rutherford to rebuild the innings.
The pair stitched together a crucial 120-run partnership, with Rutherford providing the attacking impetus. The left-hander smashed a blistering 84 off just 37 balls, keeping the required run rate within reach and shifting the momentum firmly in West Indies’ favour. Romario Shepherd joined Hope and continued the assault, smashing an unbeaten 34 off just 13 deliveries. Their partnership ensured that West Indies maintained their momentum and finished the chase in emphatic fashion.
Hope remained unbeaten on 102 off 45 balls, completing a magnificent century as West Indies chased down 250 with nine balls remaining. The victory marked the second-highest successful run chase in T20 history and West Indies highest successful chase in the format.
Shai Hope: The architect of the chase
While Rutherford’s explosive innings and Shepherd’s late assault played vital roles, Hope was the defining figure of the contest. His unbeaten century, featuring a blend of calculated aggression, smart strike rotation and timely boundary hitting, demonstrated how effectively he can control an innings under pressure.
The innings also saw Hope register the second-fastest T20I century by a West Indies batter, reaching the landmark in just 45 balls. A remarkable run of form Hope’s century against India was not an isolated performance but another highlight in an outstanding series. Across five matches in the ODI and T20I contests, he has accumulated 432 runs at an extraordinary average of 144, including three centuries.
What has stood out throughout the series Shai Hope's ability to play to his strengths while adapting intelligently to match situations. Whether anchoring an innings or shifting gears to match the demands of a steep chase, Hope has combined composure with attacking intent.
His consistency has made him one of the standout performers of the series, and his latest effort against India further reinforces his growing stature as a match-winner for West Indies.
Match Result
IND 249 - 5 (20) Sanju Samson 82 off 41 balls WI 252 - 4 (18.3) Shai Hope 102* off 45 Balls WI won by 6 wkts , levelling series 1-1
