Shai Hope, Sherfane Rutherford Star as West Indies Beat India by 6 Wickets to Level Series

West Indies defeated India by six wickets in the second T20I in Ranchi, levelling the five-match series 1-1 after a powerful batting performance from Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford. Hope scored a brilliant century, while Rutherford provided crucial support as the visitors successfully chased a massive target set by India.

The match was played at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on October 9, 2026. The West Indies batters took control of the chase after India initially made inroads into the visitors' batting order.

Shai Hope Leads West Indies with a Century

Shai Hope was the leading scorer for West Indies, smashing 102 runs in a dominant innings. His knock included six fours and nine sixes as he repeatedly attacked the Indian bowlers.

Hope's century proved decisive in the chase, giving West Indies the momentum needed to recover after losing early wickets. His aggressive strokeplay put pressure on India's bowling attack and helped the visitors stay on course for victory.

The right-handed batter's innings combined boundaries and powerful sixes, allowing West Indies to maintain a strong scoring rate during the chase.

Sherfane Rutherford Provides Crucial Support

Sherfane Rutherford played an equally important role, scoring 84 runs with seven fours and seven sixes. He partnered Hope in a match-changing stand that shifted the contest in West Indies' favour.

The pair added 120 runs, rebuilding the innings after India had reduced West Indies to 58/3. Their partnership prevented India from taking further control of the match and brought the visitors closer to the target.

Hope and Rutherford's aggressive batting meant India struggled to contain the scoring once the partnership was established.

India Make Early Breakthroughs

India had initially started well with the ball, dismissing Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell cheaply.

West Indies were reduced to 58/3, giving the hosts an opportunity to put pressure on the visitors and defend their total. However, the partnership between Hope and Rutherford changed the direction of the game.

Despite India's early breakthroughs, the bowlers could not break the partnership quickly enough to prevent West Indies from taking control of the chase.

Romario Shepherd Finishes the Chase

Romario Shepherd added the finishing touch to the West Indies victory with a rapid 13-ball 34.

His late-innings contribution strengthened the visitors' position and helped them complete the chase with six wickets remaining. Shepherd's explosive batting ensured that West Indies maintained their momentum during the closing stages.

The combined efforts of Hope, Rutherford and Shepherd helped the visitors secure an important win in the five-match series.

West Indies Level the Five-Match Series 1-1

The six-wicket victory brought West Indies level with India at 1-1 in the five-match T20I series.

For India, the early wickets had created an opportunity to control the match, but Hope and Rutherford's partnership proved decisive. Their scoring power, combined with Shepherd's quick contribution at the end, enabled West Indies to overcome the hosts.

With the series now level, the contest remains open as both teams look ahead to the remaining matches.