Full Breakdown
West Indies Level T20I Series with 24-Run Victory in Hyderabad
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The Decisive Fourth T20I
On October 14, 2026, the West Indies defeated India by 24 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, tying the five-match series at 2-2. The visitors posted 247/3 in 20 overs, anchored by Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102 off 50 balls. India’s chase stalled at 223 all out in 19.3 overs, despite a rapid 56 off 23 balls from Sanju Samson.
Key bowling figures: Keemo Paul 5/41 (four-over spell) and Gudakesh Motie 2/13 dismantled the Indian middle order. India’s top-order wickets fell early, with Paul removing Samson and Ishan Kishan in the fifth over, and Shreyas Iyer dismissed for 16. A late-stage partnership of 70 runs between Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy fell short as Paul claimed three wickets in the 19th over.
Series Context
The tour began with India leading 2-1 after a 14-run win in Indore. West Indies had previously chased 250 in Ranchi and posted a 247-run total in Hyderabad, marking their first successful defence of a total in India in six attempts. The series has featured high-scoring contests, with both sides regularly surpassing 200 runs.
Data & Statistics
- West Indies batting: Shai Hope 102* (9 s, 4 4s); Sherfane Rutherford 49* (4 4s, 3 6s); Shimron Hetmyer 33 (4 4s, 2 6s); Rovman Powell 24 (3 4s, 1 6).
- India batting: Sanju Samson 56 (4 4s, 4 6s); Abhishek Sharma 29 (3 4s, 1 6); Tilak Varma 43 (4 4s, 3 6s); Nitish Reddy 41 (2 4s, 3 6s).
- Bowling: Keemo Paul 5/41 (West Indies); Gudakesh Motie 2/13 (West Indies); Arshdeep Singh 1/52 (India, retired hurt in final over).
Official Statements & Responses
West Indies captain Shai Hope described his innings as “a calm, measured approach” that allowed his teammates to play freely. Head coach Darren Sammy highlighted the need to win both powerplays, stating that “to beat India in India, you really have to win both powerplays, with bat and ball.”
Criticism & Opposition
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar echoed the sentiment, questioning why Joseph “aimed at him” rather than targeting the stumps.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think all the guys, we back our skills and we feel we could beat any team on our day,” — Keemo Paul, and his wicket took the wind out of India’s sails
- “The West Indies are a really good side, especially in T20 format. They play so much franchise cricket, so they know how to play this format. The power they have is unbelievable,” — Hyderabad Tilak
- “To beat India in India, you really have to win both powerplays, with bat and ball,” — Darren Sammy, head coach
- “I would want India to go 3-1 up, and for the last game, Sooryavanshi plays. So keep it simple: Go 3-1 up, wrap the series up, and let Sooryavanshi play the last one,” — Abhishek Nayar, india assistant coach
What’s Next
The series will be decided in the final T20I on October 17, 2026 at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Both sides will look to adjust strategies—West Indies to defend another total, India to chase a target while managing player fitness concerns, notably the injury to Arshdeep Singh.