IND vs WI 2nd T20I: Shai Hope, Sherfane Rutherford power West Indies to record chase against India

RANCHI: West Indies skipper Shai Hope struck his second T20 International hundred to power the visitors to a stunning six-wicket win over India in the second game of the series here on Friday.Chasing 250 after India posted 249/5, West Indies reached 252/4 with nine balls to spare — their highest successful chase in T20Is and the second-highest in the format, behind South Africa’s 259/4 against West Indies in Centurion in 2023.The chase began in the worst possible fashion for the visitors. Mayank Yadav (3/36) struck twice in the opening over to leave the West Indies reeling, but Hope refused to allow the early setback to dictate the course of the innings.Rovman Powell joined his captain and the pair began the repair work, putting on 53 for the third wicket. Once Powell departed, Sherfane Rutherford walked in with a clear intent to attack and the game began to swing decisively towards the visitors.Rutherford and Hope produced the partnership that broke India’s grip on the contest, adding 120 off just 54 balls for the fourth wicket. Rutherford was the aggressor, taking the attack apart with seven fours and seven sixes in his 84 off 37 balls. Hope remained the constant presence at the other end, combining clean hitting with calculated strokeplay.By the time Rutherford departed, West Indies still needed 72 off 35 balls. Romario Shepherd then provided the final burst, smashing an unbeaten 34 off 13 balls, including three fours and three sixes, as West Indies completed the chase with nine balls to spare.For Hope, the hundred continued an extraordinary tour. The West Indies captain had already struck two centuries during the ODI series before making a half-century in a losing cause in the opening T20I.Earlier, India had appeared to have put themselves firmly in command, largely through Sanju Samson’s timely return to form. Under pressure after four subdued outings and with the growing conversation around teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waiting in the wings, Samson responded with an assured 82 off 41 balls.Rather than relying entirely on the big hits for which he is often known, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter repeatedly found gaps with crisp drives and deft touches before choosing his moments to clear the boundary.Samson struck nine fours and four sixes, and West Indies were left to rue two dropped chances. He and hometown favourite Ishan Kishan added 97 off just 43 balls for the second wicket, with Kishan contributing a lively 43 off 22 as the Ranchi crowd embraced its local hero. Roston Chase briefly slowed India’s charge, claiming the first three wickets.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.