West Indies Cross 200 Against India in 4th T20I; Shai Hope Nears Century

West Indies posted a strong total against India in the fourth T20I of the five-match series at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, with Shai Hope nearing a century and Sherfane Rutherford firing on all cylinders. India, captained by Shreyas Iyer, won the toss and elected to bowl first. The hosts maintained an unchanged Playing XI, while West Indies made two changes, bringing in Jewel Andrew and Romario Shepherd for Nicholas Pooran and Quentin Sampson. The series currently stands at 2-1 in India's favor, following their 14-run victory in the third game.

The West Indies had a superb start to their innings, finishing the Powerplay on a high at 79-1 after six overs. Arshdeep Singh conceded 19 runs in his second over during this period, which included a wide, a four, and a six. Mayank Yadav also had an expensive early over, leaking 20 runs, beginning with five wides and featuring a six and a four from Shai Hope. Axar Patel secured the first breakthrough for India, dismissing opener Jewel Andrew for 21 runs off 16 balls, who burned a review on an LBW decision in the 4.1 over, with West Indies at 52-1.

As the innings progressed, West Indies crossed the 100-run mark in the eighth over, reaching 109-1. Prince Yadav then provided a crucial second wicket, taking a return catch to dismiss Shimron Hetmyer for a quickfire 33 runs off just 12 deliveries, which featured four fours and two sixes, bringing the score to 110-2 in the 8.2 over. Shai Hope continued to build his innings, reaching his half-century in 28 balls with a massive six over long-off. He has been in strong form, with T20I scores against India of 52, 102, 5, and 55**.

West Indies' 150 came up in the 12th over, marked by another magnificent six from Shai Hope over extra cover. Axar Patel, despite his earlier wicket, leaked 22 runs in this over, finishing his quota with figures of 1 for 45. Arshdeep Singh then claimed the third wicket, dismissing Rovman Powell for 24 runs off 17 balls, caught by Sanju Samson behind the stumps, with the score at 156-3 in the 12.5 over.

Sherfane Rutherford then took charge, pushing West Indies past the 200-run mark in the 17th over. Mayank Yadav's final over proved costly, leaking 22 runs, including two sixes and a four from Rutherford, who moved to 31 off 14 balls. Prince Yadav completed his four overs with figures of 1 for 36, having been described as "brilliant with the ball" and could have had Rutherford's wicket earlier but for a dropped catch by Mayank Yadav. Arshdeep Singh also conceded 11 runs in his third over. Despite initial projections of 250-plus, West Indies found it "a bit tough" to reach that target from 177-3 after 15 overs.

What to watch: India's chase against West Indies' formidable total in the series-deciding contest.

Editor's note: Comprehensive and accurate summary of the cricket live blog, capturing key wickets, scores, and player performances.