West Indies captain Shai Hope put on a masterclass of power hitting and endurance in Ranchi, leading his side to a stunning 6-wicket win over India in the second T20 encounter. Faced with a mammoth target of 250, Hope tore through the bowling attack with an unbeaten 102 off just 45 deliveries. Continuing his scintillating run from the one-day series, the Caribbean skipper proved unstoppable while anchoring the innings with clinical precision from start to finish.
A Staggering 38.3 Overs on the Field Without Breaking Sweat
What made Hope's century even more remarkable was the physical endurance on display throughout the high-scoring contest. The Caribbean leader spent a total of 38.3 overs out in the middle across both innings. He first completed a demanding 20-over shift behind the stumps as the wicketkeeper before returning immediately to bat for 18.3 overs. Despite that massive workload, his bat speed and running between the wickets never wavered as he steered his side over the line.
Surpassing Chris Gayle for West Indies' Second-Fastest T20I Century
Reaching three figures in just 45 balls, Hope entered the history books by recording the second-fastest T20I hundred for the West Indies. The all-time national record remains with Johnson Charles, who struck a breathtaking 39-ball hundred against South Africa in 2023. Prior to this match, Chris Gayle held the second spot courtesy of his 47-ball century against England in the 2016 T20 World Cup. Hope's blitz in Ranchi comfortably eclipsed Gayle's milestone.
Joint-Fastest Hundred Recorded Against India in T20Is
With his 45-ball milestone, Shai Hope also etched his name alongside England's Jacob Bethell for the joint-fastest century scored against India in men's T20 internationals. Bethell had reached the landmark off 45 deliveries earlier this year, and Hope matched that feat stroke for stroke to lead a memorable batting performance.
Joining Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis in an Elite Batting Club
The innings marked Hope's second century in T20 international cricket, elevating him into a very exclusive circle of West Indian power hitters. Prior to this match, only Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis had managed to score two hundreds for the West Indies in the shortest format. Hope's latest knock firmly establishes his standing among the finest contemporary ball-strikers produced by the region.
The Second-Highest Successful Run Chase in Men's T20I History
Earlier in the day, India posted an imposing total of 249 in their 20 overs, setting what appeared to be a formidable total. However, the West Indies batting order showed no hesitation, motoring to 252 for the loss of 4 wickets in only 18.3 overs. The result marks West Indies' biggest successful chase in T20 cricket and stands as the second-highest successful run chase in men's T20 international history. The record for the highest chase remains with South Africa, who famously overhauled a 259-run target against the West Indies back in 2023.
