Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford Power West Indies to Historic 250 Chase Against India

West Indies captain Shai Hope produced a breathtaking masterclass on Friday night, smashing an unbeaten 102 off just 45 balls to guide his side to an astonishing six-wicket victory over India in the second Twenty20 International in Ranchi. Chasing a monumental target of 250, the Caribbean side raced to 252 for 4 in just 18.3 overs, registering the highest successful chase in their T20I history and the highest ever recorded against India. The thrilling triumph levelled the five-match series at 1-1, capping off a relentless batting exhibition that completely silenced the home crowd.  

The visitors found themselves under severe pressure during the early stages of their pursuit after express pacer Mayank Yadav ripped through the top order, picking up 3 for 36 to reduce West Indies to 58 for 3 inside the powerplay. Unfazed by the mounting required run rate, Hope found a destructive partner in Sherfane Rutherford, who dismantled the Indian bowling attack with a blazing 84 off 37 deliveries. The duo engineered a stunning 120-run partnership for the fourth wicket, finding the ropes at will and shifting the momentum entirely in West Indies' favour.  

Hope’s scintillating knock included six boundaries and nine towering sixes, bringing up his second career T20I century and continuing his remarkable, unyielding form against India across the tour. Following Rutherford’s eventual dismissal, the West Indies skipper held his nerve alongside Rovman Powell to comfortably finish off the chase with nine deliveries to spare. The clinical finish sealed the second-highest successful run chase in men's T20 international history, demonstrating West Indies' formidable power-hitting depth in white-ball cricket.  

While the evening was dominated by boundary fireworks, off-spinner Roston Chase laid the groundwork for the victory with an exceptional spell of defensive bowling. On a surface where every other bowler suffered heavy punishment, Chase delivered an economical masterclass of 3 for 24 across his four overs. His breakthroughs curbed India’s momentum in the middle overs, ensuring the target did not climb beyond reach after the hosts threatened to breach the 270-run barrier.  

Earlier in the match, India had appeared firmly in control after being sent in to bat, amassing a massive total of 249 for 5 courtesy of Sanju Samson’s fiery 82 from 41 balls. Samson was ably supported by fluent contributions from Ishan Kishan, captain Shreyas Iyer, and an unbeaten 18-ball 44 from Tilak Varma. However, on a placid track where dewy conditions neutralized India's spinners, West Indies turned the tables in emphatic fashion, setting up a tantalizing contest as the series heads into its third fixture.