It was also the second-highest successful run chase in T20 history, only beaten by South Africa’s 259/4 against the men in maroon in March. West Indies won the toss and sent India in to bat first. India’s innings was anchored by Sanju Samson, who scored 82 runs off 41 balls, before being finally dismissed by Shamar Springer.  

On paper, there wasn’t much wrong with the Indian batting innings. Three batters scored 40 or more, including Ishan Kishan (43 off 22), Shreyas Iyer (40 off 18) and Tilak Varma (44 not out off 18). Even opener Abishek Sharma put a handy 20 runs on the board.

The West Indian stalwart spinner Roston Chase was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for only 24 runs in his allotted four overs. Springer was the only other wicket-taker. 

Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford. Photo: Facebook/Cricinfo

India put a very competitive 249/5 on the board in their 20 overs and would no doubt have been confident of defending their total, especially after their emphatic 8-wicket victory in the first T20I.  

Then Shai Hope stepped onto the field. He hit an unbeaten 102 off only 45 balls – including nine sixes and six boundaries – for his second T20 century. He was ably supported by Sherfane Rutherford, whose 84 off 37 balls powered the Windies to 252/4; the second-highest aggregate in a men’s T20..

Mayank Yadav. Photo: Facebook/Cricinfo

Mayank Yadav was India’s most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 36 runs in three overs. The third T20I in the five-match series will be played on Sunday in Indore.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg