Hyderabad, October 15, 2026: West Indies defeated India by 24 runs in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad, levelling the five-match series 2-2 and setting up a decisive final match in Bengaluru. Chasing a formidable target of 248, India were bowled out for 223. After the match, Sanju Samson identified Tilak Varma’s dismissal as the turning point that halted India’s late fightback.
Shai Hope Powers West Indies to 247/3
West Indies captain Shai Hope delivered a commanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 102 off 50 balls to guide his team to a massive total of 247/3.
Hope anchored the innings before accelerating in the closing overs. Sherfane Rutherford provided valuable support with an unbeaten 49 off 26 balls, as the pair added 91 runs without losing a wicket.
West Indies Smash 16 Sixes
The visitors maintained an aggressive approach against India’s bowling attack, hitting 16 sixes during their innings.
India also conceded 18 extras, further helping West Indies maintain a high scoring rate from the powerplay through the final overs. The imposing total left India facing a demanding chase.
Samson Gives India an Explosive Start
Sanju Samson launched India’s chase with an attacking 56 off just 23 balls, keeping the hosts within reach of the required scoring rate.
His aggressive stroke play gave India early momentum, although wickets at the other end increased the pressure on the middle order.
Keemo Paul Claims Five Wickets
West Indies all-rounder Keemo Paul delivered a decisive bowling performance, claiming five wickets to disrupt India’s chase.
His dismissals included Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prince Yadav and Axar Patel. Paul’s ability to break partnerships repeatedly prevented India from building a sustained response.
India Slips to 130/5
India’s position became increasingly difficult when the hosts reached 130/5, still requiring 118 runs from the final 50 deliveries.
With the required run rate climbing, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy joined forces to revive India’s hopes through an aggressive counterattack.
Tilak and Nitish Reddy Lead the Fightback
The pair produced a 70-run partnership, taking on the West Indies bowlers and bringing the required scoring rate back within reach.
Their attacking approach transformed what had appeared to be a comfortable victory for the visitors into a tense contest, with India briefly threatening to pull off a remarkable chase.
Tilak Varma’s Dismissal Changes the Momentum
India needed 48 runs from 19 balls when Romario Shepherd dismissed Tilak Varma after inducing a false shot.
Samson later described the wicket as the turning point, explaining that India had begun to build genuine momentum through the partnership between Tilak and Nitish.
With Tilak back in the pavilion, India struggled to maintain the scoring rate required to complete the chase.
Samson Says India Were Back in the Contest
Speaking after the match, Samson said India had appeared to regain control before Tilak’s dismissal.
He praised Tilak and Nitish for handling the pressure despite India having already lost five wickets. Their partnership, he indicated, had given the hosts a realistic opportunity to challenge West Indies’ imposing total.
Nitish Reddy Scores 41
Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed 41 runs during India’s late recovery, playing an important role in the partnership that briefly brought the hosts back into contention.
However, after Tilak’s dismissal, India’s lower order could not sustain the momentum needed to reach the target.
Samson Backs India’s Top Order
Despite the struggles of Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma in the match, Samson defended both batters.
He said a single poor performance should not overshadow their recent contributions and backed them as quality options for India’s top order.
West Indies Level the Series 2-2
The victory brought West Indies level with India at 2-2 in the five-match series, setting up a winner-takes-all final encounter.
India had taken a 2-1 lead after winning the third T20I in Indore, but West Indies responded strongly in Hyderabad to keep the series alive.
Bengaluru to Host the Series Decider
The fifth and final T20I is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru on Saturday, with both teams now competing to secure the series.
Samson said India remained motivated despite the defeat and acknowledged West Indies’ performance. With the series level, the final match will determine which side finishes the contest on top.
Source: The Indian Express
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