By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Captain Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford produced a spectacular display of power-hitting as the West Indies pulled off the second-highest successful run chase in men’s T20 International history, overhauling India’s imposing total of 249 for five with nine balls to spare in Ranchi on Friday.
Hope remained unbeaten on a blistering 102 off 45 balls, while Rutherford smashed 84 off just 37 deliveries to power the West Indies to 252 for four in 18.3 overs, handing India an astonishing six-wicket defeat. India lost the match mainly due to its poor bowling spell.
The remarkable chase ranks behind South Africa’s successful pursuit of 259 against the West Indies in Centurion in March 2023.
Faced with a daunting target of 250, the visitors refused to be intimidated by the required run rate. Hope led the charge with a fluent combination of elegant drives and powerful pulls, keeping the chase alive even as India looked to defend their formidable total.
The contest turned decisively when Rutherford joined Hope at the crease. The left-hander unleashed a barrage of sixes and boundaries, putting the Indian bowlers under relentless pressure. His explosive innings transformed the chase from a daunting challenge into a realistic possibility.
Hope, meanwhile, combined aggression with composure, reaching his century in just 45 balls. His unbeaten knock ensured that the West Indies maintained their momentum and avoided a late collapse.
India had appeared to set a match-winning target after posting 249 for five, but the visitors’ extraordinary hitting eclipsed the hosts’ effort. The West Indies reached the target in 18.3 overs, sealing a memorable victory in front of the Ranchi crowd mainly due to poor performance by Indian bowlers.
The result underlined the West Indies’ formidable batting strength in the shortest format and gave the contest a place in T20I history, as Hope and Rutherford combined to complete one of the most remarkable successful chases the international game has witnessed.