Shai Hope✱
Jewel Andrew
Shimron Hetmyer
Rovman Powell
Sherfane Rutherford✱
Mayank Yadav
Arshdeep Singh
Prince Yadav
Axar Patel
Naman Dhir
Sanju Samson
Abhishek Sharma
Ishan Kishan
Shreyas Iyer
Tilak Varma
Roston Chase
Shamar Joseph
Romario Shepherd
Keemo Paul
Shamar Springer
In a high‑octane showdown at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Shai Hope unleashed a ferocious 102 off just 50 deliveries, turning a solid start into a record‑breaking total and propelling West Indies to a 24‑run triumph over India. The crowd witnessed a masterclass in power‑hitting as the Caribbean side posted a staggering 247‑3, leaving India scrambling in a chase that fell short at 223‑10 with 7 balls to spare.
Match Summary
India won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that backfired spectacularly. West Indies opened with a blistering partnership, anchored by Hope’s century and bolstered by Shimron Hetmyer’s 33 off 12 balls. Jewel Andrew added a quick 21 off 16, while the lower order ensured the run‑rate never dipped. The final score of 247‑3 in 20 overs set a new benchmark for the series. In response, India’s top order faltered early, but Sanju Samson’s explosive 56 off 23 balls gave them a glimmer of hope. Abhishek Sharma’s 29 off 24 provided some stability, yet the relentless West Indian bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh (1/52) and Prince Yadav (1/36), kept the pressure on. India collapsed at 223‑10 in 19.3 overs, handing West Indies a comprehensive win.
Key Performances
Shai Hope (WI) – 102 off 50 balls, 12 fours, 7 sixes. His innings was a blend of power and precision, striking at a strike‑rate of 204.00 and anchoring the chase for a massive total.
Sanju Samson (IND) – 56 off 23 balls, 6 fours, 3 sixes. Samson’s counter‑attack kept India in the hunt, but lacked support from the other end.
Arshdeep Singh (WI) – 1/52 in 4 overs, economy 13.00. Though expensive, his wicket of a set batsman proved crucial.
Prince Yadav (WI) – 1/36 in 4 overs, economy 9.00. Yadav’s disciplined line restricted India’s scoring in the death overs.
Romario Shepherd (IND) – 1/32 in 3 overs, economy 10.66. Shepherd was the only Indian bowler to make a breakthrough, but the damage was already done.
Turning Points
The match hinged on three decisive moments. First, Hope’s century after the 30‑run partnership set the tone, pushing the total beyond 200. Second, Hetmyer’s 33 off 12 balls accelerated the innings in the death overs, adding 45 runs in the final five balls. Third, India’s collapse after Samson’s dismissal at 150/4 saw the tail succumb to tight West Indian bowling, sealing the win.
Series Implications
West Indies’ victory narrows the all‑time head‑to‑head to 6‑5 in India’s favour and injects confidence into the Caribbean side for the remaining fixtures of the West Indies tour of India 2026. The win also boosts their net run rate, a vital factor in the series standings. For India, the loss highlights vulnerabilities in the middle order and the need for a more aggressive approach against high‑velocity attacks. Both teams will now look to adjust strategies as the series moves forward, with the next encounter promising another thrilling chapter.