West Indies stun India with record T20 chase led by Hope century

West Indies recorded a record-breaking Twenty20 International chase on Saturday, pursuing India's 251-run total with disciplined batting and timely contributions from their middle order. The victory at a neutral venue leveled the three-match series after India's earlier win, setting the stage for a decisive encounter.

Shai Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten century, demonstrating exceptional composure and shot-making under pressure. His partnership with Sherfane Rutherford, who contributed a fluent fifty, proved decisive in steering West Indies across the finish line. The pair's aggressive yet calculated approach against India's bowling attack transformed what appeared a challenging target into an achievable goal.

The chase highlighted West Indies' improved batting depth and their capacity to compete against top-ranked opposition in T20 cricket. India's bowlers struggled to maintain pressure throughout the innings, with early breakthroughs proving insufficient to derail the Caribbean side's pursuit. The result demonstrated the volatility of Twenty20 cricket, where strong individual performances can swiftly shift momentum in high-scoring encounters.

The series now stands evenly poised ahead of the final match, with both teams seeking to secure the title. West Indies' ability to execute their chase plan and Hope's match-winning contribution will provide confidence heading into the decider, while India faces pressure to reassert their dominance and prevent a series defeat.