Abhishek Sharma
Sanju Samson
Ishan Kishan
Shivam Dube
Shreyas Iyer
Tilak Varma✱
Akeal Hosein
Romario Shepherd
Roston Chase
Gudakesh Motie
Shamar Joseph
Shai Hope✱
Kamil Pooran
Shimron Hetmyer
Rovman Powell
Sherfane Rutherford
Mayank Yadav
Arshdeep Singh
Axar Patel
Kuldeep Yadav
In a pulsating finish at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium, West Indies edged India by just three runs, thanks to Shai Hope's dazzling 102 off 45 balls. The chase, completed in 18.3 overs, kept fans on the edge of their seats as the rain‑threatened evening turned into a classic T20I showdown.
Match Summary
India won the toss and elected to bowl, hoping to defend a modest total on a clear but humid night in Ranchi. However, the home side posted an imposing India T20I score of 249‑5 in 20 overs, propelled by Sanju Samson’s 82 off 41 balls and a brisk 43 from Ishan Kishan. Abhishek Sharma added a quick 20 off 12, while Roston Chase (3/24) kept the West Indies innings in check.
Chasing 250, West Indies opened with a solid partnership, but it was Shai Hope who took charge, smashing 102 runs at a strike rate of 226.5. Mayank Yadav’s three wickets for 36 runs provided crucial breakthroughs, but the Caribbean side managed 252‑4 in just 18.3 overs, clinching a narrow win. The final wicket fell with just a few balls left, sealing a memorable victory for the visitors.
Key Performances
Shai Hope (WI) – 102 off 45 balls, 12 fours, 6 sixes. His innings was the cornerstone of the chase, turning the match on its head and earning him Player of the Match honors.
Sanju Samson (IND) – 82 off 41 balls, 9 fours, 4 sixes. Samson’s aggressive start gave India the platform to post a massive total.
Ishan Kishan (IND) – 43 off 22 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes. Kishan’s cameo added vital runs in the death overs.
Roston Chase (IND) – 3/24 in 4 overs. His disciplined spell kept West Indies in check early on.
Mayank Yadav (WI) – 3/36 in 3 overs. Yadav’s wicket‑taking spell disrupted India’s momentum during the middle overs.
Turning Points
The match swung on three decisive moments. First, Samson’s boundary‑laden blitz gave India a psychological edge, pushing the score beyond 200. Second, Hope’s explosive partnership with the middle order, especially his 102, neutralised India’s early breakthroughs and kept the required run‑rate manageable. Finally, a dropped catch at mid‑wicket in the 15th over allowed Hope to accelerate, turning a potential wicket into a match‑winning century.
Additionally, the weather played a subtle role. With a 65% chance of rain, both captains managed their bowlers wisely, ensuring the game stayed on track despite the looming threat.
Series Implications
This win gives West Indies a 2‑1 lead in the West Indies tour of India 2026 T20I series, shifting momentum in their favour. India will need to regroup ahead of the next fixture, focusing on tighter fielding and death‑over strategies. For West Indies, Hope’s century not only secured the match but also cemented his status as a key player in the series, boosting their confidence for the remaining games.
Looking ahead, the series could swing either way, but the current standing suggests a tightly contested battle, with both teams eager to claim the series trophy. Fans can follow live updates via "West Indies tour of India 2026 live score" portals for the upcoming matches.