West Indies Stun India in Ranchi With Record T20I Chase

West Indies produced a stunning turnaround in the second T20I in Ranchi, chasing down India’s imposing 249 with nine balls to spare to level the series 1-1. It was their highest successful run-chase in T20 internationals. India looked firmly in control after posting a mammoth total, especially when Mayank Yadav removed two West Indies batters in the opening over. What followed, however, turned the contest on its head and left the home side searching for answers.

Hope and Rutherford Take Control

Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford rebuilt the innings from that shaky start with a fourth-wicket partnership of 120 runs. Hope finished unbeaten on 102, while Rutherford smashed 84. The pair attacked fearlessly and refused to let the early setbacks dictate their approach. They steadily dragged the required rate within reach, and once the target came into range, the Indian bowlers had little left to defend with.

India had banked on spin to protect the total, but Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav were taken to the cleaners. Axar conceded 63 runs without a wicket in 3.3 overs, while Kuldeep gave away 53 for a single wicket from his four overs. Both struggled to grip the ball on a damp outfield, and the batters punished every loose delivery.

Iyer Points to the Dew Factor

Captain Shreyas Iyer chose not to criticise his bowlers harshly after the defeat. He highlighted the heavy dew, which made it difficult to hold the ball and left no margin for error. He admitted that even a total as big as 249 did not feel safe. With the series now level, India will need to find a quick solution to the dew challenge, as conditions could again favour the chasing side in the remaining matches.