Sanju Samson’s 82 in vain as West Indies stun India in record chase

Ranchi: Skipper Shai Hope's unbeaten century powered the West Indies to a stunning six-wicket victory over India in the second T20 International, levelling the five-match series 1-1 in Ranchi on Friday.

Chasing a mammoth 250, the West Indies reached 252/4 in just 18.3 overs, completing a record chase with nine balls to spare.

Hope led the charge with an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls, smashing nine sixes and six fours. Sherfane Rutherford provided explosive support, scoring 84 off just 37 deliveries as the visitors chased down the target in emphatic fashion.

Earlier, India posted a formidable 249/5 in their allotted 20 overs after being sent in to bat. Opener Sanju Samson blazed his way to 82 off 41 balls, setting the tone for India's big total.

Ishan Kishan added 43 off 22 balls, while skipper Shreyas Iyer struck 40 off 18 deliveries. Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 44 off 18 balls to give India a strong finish.

Roston Chase was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, claiming 3/24 in his four overs. However, India's imposing total proved insufficient as Hope and Rutherford powered the visitors to victory.

The result leaves the five-match series level at 1-1, setting up an intriguing contest in the remaining matches.

Brief scores:
India: 249/5 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 82, Ishan Kishan 43, Shreyas Iyer 40, Tilak Varma 44 not out; Roston Chase 3/24).
West Indies: 252/4 in 18.3 overs (Shai Hope 102 not out, Sherfane Rutherford 84; Mayank Yadav 3/36).