Shai Hope scored 102 not out, leading the West Indies to a 24-run victory over India in the fourth T20 match on Wednesday, leveling the five-match series at 2-2. Hope's performance included nine sixes and four fours, marking his third T20 century, which is the most for a West Indies batter. The West Indies set a total of 247-3 in their 20 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat. This total is the second-highest first innings score in T20s against India, following England's 257-3 earlier this year.
In response, India managed to score 223 runs in 19.3 overs, with Sanju Samson contributing 56 runs off 23 balls. The Indian team struggled after being reduced to 130-5 during their innings. Keemo Paul took 5 wickets for 41 runs, achieving his second five-wicket haul in T20s.
The West Indies began their innings strongly, with Hope and Jewel Andrew putting together a partnership of 52 runs off 26 balls. Despite Andrew being dismissed by Axar Patel for 21 runs, the West Indies reached 79-1 during the powerplay. Hope continued to build momentum, reaching his half-century off 28 balls and eventually scoring his century with a six off the last ball of the innings. Sherfane Rutherford also contributed with an unbeaten 49 runs off 26 balls.
India's chase began with a quick start from Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who added 60 runs in 25 balls. However, the West Indies' bowlers, particularly Paul, turned the match around by taking crucial wickets, including that of skipper Shreyas Iyer. Despite efforts from Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy, who scored 43 and 41 runs respectively, India fell short. The final T20 match will be hosted in Bengaluru on Saturday.