HYDERABAD:

Keemo Paul delivered a stellar performance, claiming a match-winning five-wicket haul to dismantle India’s run chase after Shai Hope smashed a breathtaking, unbeaten century. The West Indies secured a crucial 24-run victory in the fourth T20 International on Wednesday, successfully leveling the five-match series at 2-2 and forcing a high-stakes series decider in Bengaluru.

Put into bat first after India won the toss and elected to field, the visitors posted a formidable total of 247/3 in their allotted 20 overs. Shai Hope led the charge with a magnificent, unbeaten 102 off just 50 deliveries. Hope reached his milestone in style, bringing up his century with a maximum off the final delivery of the innings. This exceptional knock marked his third T20 International hundred and his second century of the series.

The Caribbean side came out all guns blazing, capitalizing heavily during the powerplay to race to 79/1 in the first six overs—their joint-highest powerplay total against India in the format. They continued to accelerate, bringing up 100 runs in a mere 7.4 overs, matching the record for the fastest team century against India in T20Is.

Support came from all corners of the batting lineup. Sherfane Rutherford provided a fierce late-innings flourish with an unbeaten 49 off 26 balls, sharing an explosive 91-run partnership with Hope off just 43 deliveries. Shimron Hetmyer added a quickfire 33 off 12 balls, while Rovman Powell chipped in with 24 off 17. India's bowling attack struggled to contain the onslaught; pacers Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep Singh leaked 52 runs apiece. Bolstered by 17 massive sixes and 17 extras, the West Indies set a daunting target of 248.

Chasing a mammoth target, India fought hard but ultimately fell short, bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs. Sanju Samson anchored portions of the innings with a gritty 56, while Tilak Varma contributed a brisk 43 off 25 balls. Despite maintaining a healthy run rate, regular breakthroughs from the Windies bowling unit kept the hosts under pressure.

Keemo Paul was the undisputed star with the ball, returning career-defining figures of 4-0-41-5. Paul's lethal spells shattered India's middle and lower order, sealing his second career five-wicket haul in T20 internationals. Gudakesh Motie also applied the squeeze with effective spells, ensuring the pressure never relented.

In a dramatic finish in the final over, Arshdeep Singh was struck on the left bicep by a sharp short delivery from Alzarri Joseph and had to leave the field, recorded as retired out after scoring 5 runs.

With the series now squared at 2-2, both teams move forward to a thrilling, winner-takes-all series decider scheduled to take place in Bengaluru on Saturday.