India has lost the recent India vs West Indies series- West Indies produced a T20I chase, reaching India’s 250-run target in 18.3 overs to win the second match by six wickets in Ranchi on Friday under lights. Shai Hope led the pursuit with an unbeaten 102 from 45 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford scored 84 off 37 deliveries. Their stand took the game away from India after the hosts had posted 249 for five, a total that appeared strong enough to defend at the JSCA Stadium.

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India vs West Indies: Hope and Rutherford take charge

India made an early breakthrough when Mayank Yadav finished with three wickets for 36 runs. The hosts still struggled to contain Hope and Rutherford, who attacked the bowlers and kept the required rate under control. Hope struck six fours and nine sixes, reaching his maiden T20I century with the winning push. Rutherford hit seven fours and seven sixes before being caught behind in the 15th over. A dropped catch gave Rutherford an important reprieve before he and Hope put on 120 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav eventually helped end Rutherford’s innings, but the damage had been done. West Indies needed 72 from 35 balls at that point. Romario Shepherd joined Hope and made an unbeaten 34 from 13 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes. Hope’s two sixes off Axar Patel brought up his hundred and completed the chase. The result gave West Indies their highest successful run chase in T20 internationals.

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India’s innings had been built around Sanju Samson, who scored 82 from 41 balls with nine fours and four sixes. He benefited from an early dropped catch on six and made West Indies pay, taking on Akeal Hosein. Ishan Kishan added 43 from 22 balls as the pair put together a 97-run partnership. Roston Chase broke that stand by dismissing Kishan, having earlier removed Abhishek Sharma. He also sent Shivam Dube back to the pavilion. Samson then fell to Shamar Springer, caught at third man after trying to keep the scoring rate high.

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Shreyas Iyer contributed 40 from 18 balls, and Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 44 from 18 deliveries. Both struck three fours and three sixes, helping India recover momentum in the closing overs. Tilak was particularly effective against Springer after surviving a catch ruled out because of a no-ball. Springer conceded 23 runs in the final over, taking India to 249 for five. The total left West Indies needing 250, but Hope and Rutherford ensured the chase never became a last-over contest.

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India’s bowlers could not break the partnership enough, and the missed chance against Rutherford proved costly. Mayank’s early wickets offered India a route back into the match, yet the middle overs shifted the balance. For India, the defeat ended their winning run in the series and showed how quickly a T20 total can lose value when wickets are scarce and boundaries keep coming. West Indies levelled the contest with a chase built on two major innings and Shepherd’s support.

Editor - Neha

Neha is the Co-Director & Editor at sportselite.in, drawn to the stories that give Sports their energy beyond the scoreboard. She brings clarity, context, and a human perspective to coverage across Elite Sports, from standout performances to shifting team dynamics and memorable contests. At sportselite.in, Neha helps turn complex sporting developments into engaging stories, keeping readers connected to the people and moments behind the action.

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