West Indies stunned India by 6 wickets in the second T20I of the five match series in Ranchi. After being invited to bat first, India posted a huge total of 249/5. Sanju Samson scored 82 runs off 41 balls, while Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, and Tilak Varma played blazing knocks. Roston Chase (3/24 in 4 overs) was West Indies' most successful bowler, while Shamar Springer also picked up 2 wickets. In reply, Mayank Yadav (3/36 in 3 overs) dealt early blows to West Indies, but Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford pulled the visitors out of trouble. They added 120 runs for the fourth wicket before Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Rutherford in the 15th over. Romario Shepherd joined Hope at the crease, and the duo displayed superb batting to guide West Indies across the finishing line with 9 balls to spare. Hope completed his unbeaten century with a winning six, taking just 45 balls to reach the milestone. Shepherd also played a blazing knock, scoring 34 runs off just 13 balls. With this victory, West Indies levelled the five-match series 1-1.

Roston Chase Controls India's Batting

West Indies began the match with an unusual bowling strategy. They expected dew to affect conditions in Ranchi, so they introduced spin early. The team bowled seven overs of spin and two overs of part-time pace before bringing on their two main fast bowlers. Samson received two early reprieves and made full use of them. He played his attacking shots and kept India's scoring rate high. However, Roston Chase slowed India's progress with accurate bowling. He targeted hard lengths from around the wicket against India's left-handed batters. He dismissed Abhishek Sharma during the powerplay when the batter hit a catch to mid-on. Chase then conceded only seven runs in the eighth over. His control stood out as India attacked the other bowlers. West Indies later introduced Shamar Joseph and Shamar Springer. Their arrival gave Ishan Kishan an opportunity to attack. Kishan smashed 24 runs off seven balls across their two overs. Chase returned and bowled Kishan through the gate, hitting his off stump. India then promoted Shivam Dube despite Chase's success against left-handers. Dube managed just five runs off seven balls against the spinner's remaining 11 deliveries. India reached 161 for 3 after 14 overs. Chase's spell had slowed their momentum during a crucial phase.

Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma Give India a Strong Finish

Dew began to affect the conditions as India's innings progressed. West Indies used Shamar Joseph and Shamar Springer for five of the final six overs. Springer dismissed Samson, while Joseph bowled an effective 16th over. However, Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma responded with aggressive batting. Both batters scored in the forties at strike rates above 200. They found the boundaries regularly and helped India regain momentum. Tilak delivered the biggest blow in the final over. He smashed three consecutive sixes as India collected 23 runs from the over. Their late assault gave India a challenging total. However, West Indies had already shown enough discipline through the middle overs to keep the contest within reach.

Mayank Yadav Strikes Early for India

Mayank Yadav gave India an excellent start with the ball. He relied on high pace and hard lengths instead of the slower deliveries that had proved expensive in the previous match. His approach paid off immediately. Mayank claimed two wickets in the first over and put West Indies under pressure. He struck again at the beginning of the sixth over to complete his third wicket. India appeared well placed to defend their total. However, those early breakthroughs marked the end of India's major success with the ball. Hope and Rutherford soon launched a devastating counterattack.

Rutherford and Hope Launch a Powerful Counterattack

Rutherford wasted little time settling in after arriving at the crease. He attacked Mayank with two fours and a six to help West Indies finish the powerplay at 72/3. Hope had already taken on Axar Patel in the fourth over. Axar had emerged as one of India's most reliable powerplay bowlers since the World Cup, but Hope attacked him confidently. The West Indies captain smashed two sixes and a four to put India under pressure. West Indies continued their assault after the powerplay. Both batters scored quickly, but Rutherford delivered the more destructive performance. Rutherford scored 84 runs during a 120-run partnership with Hope. Hope also contributed 33 runs off 17 balls, but Rutherford's power-hitting stood out. His attack against Axar proved particularly damaging. Rutherford collected 23 runs from the spinner's second over and shifted the momentum firmly in West Indies' favour. India had a chance to dismiss Rutherford when he was on 39 off 19 balls. However, Mayank dropped a straightforward catch off Kuldeep Yadav's bowling. West Indies still needed 128 runs from the final 10 overs at that point. The missed opportunity proved costly as Rutherford continued to attack the Indian bowlers.

Shai Hope Seals West Indies' Record-Breaking Victory

Kuldeep eventually dismissed Rutherford four overs after the dropped catch. By then, Rutherford had smashed seven sixes and seven fours. His innings reduced West Indies' target to 72 runs from the final 35 balls. India's bowling decisions in the closing stages also raised questions. The team used four overs of spin during what turned out to be the final five overs of the match. Mayank finished with three wickets for 36 runs in three overs. His early breakthroughs had given India hope, but the team could not stop West Indies from completing the chase. A different bowling combination or the missed catch might have changed the contest, but West Indies made the most of their opportunities. Hope raised his scoring rate as the finish approached. Romario Shepherd also played a crucial role, smashing 34 runs off just 13 balls. Shepherd's quick runs eased the pressure on Hope and brought West Indies closer to victory. Hope then completed his outstanding innings and sealed a historic win. His century, Rutherford's explosive 84 and Shepherd's late assault powered West Indies to their highest successful T20I chase. Their combined effort also delivered the highest successful T20I chase against India.