Shai Hope slammed an unbeaten century as West Indies chased down the target of 250 in the second T20I against India to level the five-match T20I series
1-1. Despite Hope's match-winning century, R Ashwin slammed him. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said that Hope made a mistake by operating with Akeal Hosein against Sanju Samson. The right-handed batter punished the spinner and completed his half-century in the powerplay. “Samson looked scratchy because he was not in a run-scoring phase. However, Shai Hope also made a mistake today. You cannot keep using spinners from one end in an attempt to build pressure on Sanju Samson. Bowling three consecutive overs from Akeal Hosein during the powerplay was like serving a hungry lion a goat on a platter. Samson simply took advantage of the opportunity and went after Akeal Hosein," Ashwin said. Hope removed Akeal after the powerplay and didn't give him the ball again. He went for 46 runs in three overs and failed to take a wicket. Samson slammed 82 off just 41 balls as India put on a target of 249 on the board. Batting at a strike rate of 200, Samson hit 4 sixes and 9 fours in his knock.
Shai Hope led WI to a win
Shai Hope's brilliance trumped the Indian batsmen's efforts as WI completed the chase of 250 with nine balls left. The WI captain batted at a strike rate of 226.67 and hit 9 sixes and 6 fours in his knock.
West Indies were off to a struggling start and they lost two early wickets. Rovman Powell scored a crucial 24 before being dismissed. Sherfane Rutherford brought WI back into the game with his 84 off just 37 balls. He batted at a strike rate of 227.03.
Romario Shephered hit an unebatn 34 of just 13 balls as the visitors chased down their highest T20I target. Hope was awarded Player of the Match for his heroics. The third T20I will be played on Sunday (October 11).
