Hope's Century, Paul's Five-For Propel West Indies to Series-Leveling Win Over India in Hyderabad Thriller

Hyderabad, October 14, 2026 – The five-match T20 International series between India and West Indies is now perfectly poised at 2-2 after a sensational performance from the visitors saw them clinch a 24-run victory at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. A magnificent century by captain Shai Hope and a career-best five-wicket haul from paceman Keemo Paul propelled West Indies to a commanding total before thwarting India's chase, setting the stage for a thrilling series decider.

West Indies Set Mammoth Target on Hope's Heroics

Opting to bat first after losing the toss, West Indies posted a formidable 247 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs. Spearheading their innings was captain Shai Hope, who blazed an unbeaten 102 runs off just 50 deliveries, including four fours and nine massive sixes. This marked Hope's second century of the series and his third in T20 Internationals, making him the West Indies batsman with the most T20I hundreds.

Hope received excellent support from Sherfane Rutherford, who smashed a quickfire 49 not out off 26 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes), ensuring the run rate remained sky-high throughout. The duo's explosive partnership in the death overs saw 19 runs come off the final over alone, pushing West Indies well past the 240-run mark.

India's Blazing Start Doused by Keemo Paul's Brilliance

Chasing a daunting 248 for victory, India's innings got off to an electrifying start, largely thanks to Sanju Samson. The opener hammered a blistering 56 runs off just 23 balls, featuring six fours and four sixes, reaching his half-century in a mere 20 deliveries. Alongside Ishan Kishan, Samson put on a rapid 60-run opening stand in just 25 balls.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Keemo Paul entered the attack. Paul dismissed Samson and Kishan in the same over, triggering a collapse. While Tilak Varma (43 off 25 balls) and Nitish Reddy (41 off 20 balls) attempted to rebuild with a defiant partnership, the pressure of the escalating required run rate eventually proved too much.

Paul Records Historic Five-For

Keemo Paul was the star with the ball for West Indies, delivering a match-winning performance with figures of 5 wickets for 41 runs in his four overs. His spell included three wickets in a single over, effectively dismantling India's middle order. This marks Paul as the first West Indies bowler to claim multiple five-wicket hauls in Men's T20 International cricket.

Further contributing to India's downfall, Gudakesh Motie picked up crucial back-to-back wickets of Abhishek Sharma and Naman Dhir, while Romario Shepherd also chipped in with a wicket. India were eventually bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs, falling short by 24 runs.

Series Decider Looms

The thrilling victory for West Indies in Hyderabad has leveled the series, setting up a tantalizing winner-takes-all clash. The fifth and final T20I will now be played on October 17 in Bengaluru, promising another high-octane encounter between these two competitive sides.

Speaking before the match, Indian all-rounder Naman Dhir had emphasized the team's need to avoid complacency against a dangerous West Indies outfit, a sentiment that proved prophetic in light of the day's events. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, known for its high-scoring encounters with four of India's top eight T20 scores recorded here in the last two years, lived up to its reputation as a batting paradise.

Match Highlights & Records

• Shai Hope's Record: Hope's century was his 3rd in T20Is, making him the West Indies batsman with the most T20I hundreds.
• Keemo Paul's Feat: Paul became the first West Indies bowler to take multiple five-wicket hauls in Men's T20 Internationals.
• India's Milestone: Sanju Samson's six off Roston Chase's bowling marked India's 2000th six in T20I cricket.
• Samson's Personal Best: Sanju Samson completed 100 T20I sixes during his explosive innings.
• Pitch Conditions: The re-laid pitch, composed of 80% red and 20% black soil, offered bounce and stayed true for batters.