Run Fest in Hyderabad: Shai Hope’s Masterclass and Keemo Paul’s Fifer Level Series for West Indies

 HYDERABAD — In a game that completely tested the limits of modern T20 batting and bowling resilience, the West Indies produced a commanding performance at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium to defeat India by 24 runs in the fourth T20I. Powered by a sensational century from captain Shai Hope and a career-defining five-wicket haul from Keemo Paul, the visitors leveled the five-match series 2-2, setting up a high-stakes series decider in Bengaluru.

Hope and Company Set a Towering Target

After India won the toss and elected to field under lights, they were quickly made to regret that decision as the West Indian batting lineup unleashed absolute carnage. Captain Shai Hope led from the very front, playing a masterclass in aggressive, clean-hitting T20 cricket. Hope raced to 102 off just 50 deliveries, anchoring the innings with a brilliant display that featured 4 fours and a staggering 9 towering sixes.

Hope found ruthless support from every corner of the batting order. Shimron Hetmyer launched a rapid 33 off 12 balls (including two sixes), while Rovman Powell (24 off 17) and Sherfane Rutherford—who played a blistering, unbeaten cameo of 49 off 26 deliveries—kept the momentum relentlessly high.

The Indian bowling attack bore the brunt of the onslaught, conceding 247/3 in their 20 overs. The boundary count heavily favored the visitors, who cleared the ropes 16 times compared to India's 13. Prince Yadav was the pick of the Indian bowlers, providing a semblance of control with figures of 1/36 in his four overs, while the rest of the attack leaked runs at over 11 an over.

India’s Swift Start and Sudden Stumble

Chasing an imposing target of 248, India needed a flyer, and Sanju Samson provided precisely that. Samson ignited the Hyderabad crowd by blasting 56 off just 23 balls (6 fours, 4 sixes), laying down a fierce marker in the powerplay. Supported by Abhishek Sharma (29) and Tilak Varma, who compiled a fluent 43 off 25 balls, India reached 80 for 2 inside the first six overs.

However, the game turned completely on its head in the space of a single over when Keemo Paul was introduced into the attack. Paul struck immediately, removing Samson and dismissing Ishan Kishan two balls later. Gudakesh Motie chipped in with crucial wickets, and Romario Shepherd sent back the dangerous Tilak Varma to leave India reeling at 189/5 by the 16th over.

Keemo Paul’s Historic Fifer Seals the Win

As the required run rate climbed past 17 runs per over, Nitish Kumar Reddy briefly revived Indian hopes with a breathtaking counter-attack, smashing 41 off just 20 balls. His departure in the backend effectively extinguished India's realistic hopes of pulling off a record chase.

Keemo Paul returned to clean up the tail, picking up his maiden T20I five-wicket haul (5/41). India's innings eventually concluded at 223 in 19.3 overs, marred slightly by an unfortunate injury to Arshdeep Singh after taking a blow on the arm during a fiery spell from Shamar Joseph.

Looking Ahead

With this 24-run victory, the West Indies have successfully squared the series 2-2. The momentum has completely shifted to the Caribbean side, but with both teams showcasing immense power-hitting depth, all eyes now turn to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for what promises to be an unforgettable series finale.