Sanju Samson’s half-century goes in vain as West Indies chase down India’s massive total for historic win

RANCHI: West Indies registered a historic six-wicket victory over India in the second T20 International, chasing down a target of 250 runs in just 18.3 overs. Captain Shai Hope’s stunning century and Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive batting powered the visitors to victory. The win levelled the five-match series at 1-1, with both teams having won one match each. Mayank Yadav claimed three wickets for India, while Kuldeep Yadav took one.

After losing the toss, India scored 249 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Malayali batter Sanju Samson top-scored with 82 off 41 balls, hitting nine fours and four sixes. Despite surviving two dismissal scares, Samson could not convert his innings into a century, leaving fans disappointed. Ishan Kishan also made a valuable contribution, scoring 43 off 22 balls. Roston Chase was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, taking three wickets for 24 runs in his four overs.

India’s scoring rate slowed after Samson’s dismissal, but Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma accelerated in the final overs. Iyer scored 40 off 18 balls, while Tilak remained unbeaten on 44 off 18 deliveries. The pair added 83 runs off just 32 balls for the fifth wicket, helping India post a formidable total of 249.

However, West Indies responded emphatically, with captain Hope leading the chase. He smashed a century off 45 balls, including six fours and nine sixes, putting the Indian bowlers under immense pressure. Rutherford provided equally aggressive support, scoring 84 runs. The duo’s 120-run partnership shifted the momentum firmly in West Indies’ favour and kept the visitors on course for victory.

West Indies reached the target in just 18.3 overs, finishing with six wickets in hand. The defeat was a setback for India, who had won the opening T20I by eight wickets. Despite posting a huge total, the Indian bowlers failed to contain the West Indies batters.