West Indies defeated India by 24 runs in the fourth T20I of the five-match series at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, to level the series 2-2, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. After India won the toss and chose to bowl, West Indies posted 247 for 3 in their 20 overs, with captain Shai Hope unbeaten on 102 off 50 balls. In reply, India were bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs despite Sanju Samson’s blistering 56 off 23 balls, with Keemo Paul taking five wickets for 41 runs, per the Cricinfo scorecard.
The defeat ended India’s hopes of sealing the series in Hyderabad. With the series now tied at 2-2, the fifth and final T20I at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 17 will serve as the series decider, as reported by the Hindustan Times.
West Indies Pile Up 247/3 After India Opt to Bowl
West Indies made the most of being put in to bat, racing to 247 for 3 in 20 overs on what ESPNcricinfo described as a relaid Hyderabad surface. Captain Shai Hope led from the front with an unbeaten 102 off 50 balls, his second century of the T20I series, while Sherfane Rutherford finished 49 not out off 26 deliveries in the closing overs. According to the Cricinfo report, the other batters all chipped in with useful contributions, and the visitors’ total proved to be their first successfully defended score of the tour.
Hope’s hundred earned him the Player of the Match award, per the Cricinfo match page. It also continued a remarkable pattern reported by ESPNcricinfo: Hope has now stayed unbeaten three times on this tour of India, and West Indies have gone on to win all three of those matches.
Sanju Samson’s 56 Off 23 Goes in Vain
India’s chase began explosively as Sanju Samson launched a counterattack that briefly threatened to chase down 248. Samson reached his half-century in just 19 balls and finished with 56 off 23 deliveries, with India’s 50 coming up in only three overs, as reported by the Lokmat Times live coverage. However, Keemo Paul broke through in the fifth over, dismissing Samson and Ishan Kishan in quick succession to leave India at 67 for 2.
From there, India kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Tilak Varma (43 off 25 balls) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (41 off 20 balls) raised hopes with a quickfire partnership late in the innings, but both fell as the asking rate climbed beyond reach, according to the Lokmat Times report. India’s innings ended at 223 in 19.3 overs, with fast bowler Arshdeep Singh forced to retire hurt after being struck on the shoulder, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
Keemo Paul’s Five-For Turns the Match
The decisive spell of the match came from Keemo Paul, who finished with 5 for 41 — his first five-wicket haul in T20Is, as reported by the Hindustan Times. After removing Samson and Kishan early, Paul returned at the death to dismantle India’s lower order, taking the wickets of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Prince Yadav in the same over. He was well supported by Gudakesh Motie, whose double-wicket over tightened the noose during the middle phase, per the ESPNcricinfo report.
For the first time in the series, West Indies also held every catch that came their way, according to ESPNcricinfo — a fielding effort that matched the discipline of their bowling in the second half of the innings.
Series Level 2-2: Decider in Bengaluru on October 17
With the five-match series now level at 2-2, everything comes down to the fifth T20I at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17, as reported by the Hindustan Times. India, who led the series 2-1 going into Hyderabad, will need to regroup quickly — particularly with questions around their death bowling after conceding 247 and the fitness of Arshdeep Singh after his retirement hurt.
West Indies, meanwhile, arrive in Bengaluru with momentum and a captain in the form of his life. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, this tour is already proving to be a landmark T20I series for the visitors, and a series win in India would be a statement result ahead of the ICC calendar.
For a full look at how the teams were set up before the match, read our India vs West Indies 4th T20I preview. If you followed the game for fantasy contests, our guide to the best fantasy cricket apps in India is worth a look before the Bengaluru decider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Player of the Match in the 4th T20I?
Shai Hope was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 102 off 50 balls, per the ESPNcricinfo match page. It was his second century of the T20I series.
What is the series score after the 4th T20I?
The five-match T20I series is level at 2-2 after West Indies' win in Hyderabad. India led 2-1 before this match but could not seal the series.
When and where is the series decider?
The fifth and deciding T20I will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as reported by the Hindustan Times.
What happened to Arshdeep Singh in the 4th T20I?
Arshdeep Singh was struck on the shoulder while batting in the final over and had to retire hurt, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. His availability for the decider was not immediately confirmed.
