West Indies beat India by 24 runs in the fourth T20I at Hyderabad on October 14, 2026, levelling the five-match series at 2-2. India were set a target of 248 on a relaid surface and were bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs.
India's innings appeared to be on course at one stage, with Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy at the crease and the equation down to 48 needed from 19 balls. Romario Shepherd then removed Tilak, and the chase fell apart from that point. Sanju Samson, who scored 56 off 23 balls to set the platform at the top of the order, identified that dismissal as the decisive moment, while also reflecting on his own knock.
"The turning point of the match was when Tilak got out." He added, "We were cruising, scoring those 10-12 runs per over really nicely. Reddy and Tilak were batting really well in the pressure situation. Till that moment, I think we were in the chase. I definitely wanted to be on the winning side. I really enjoyed batting out there. When you are chasing a score like that, there are no second thoughts - you just have to back your instincts, your power game, and that is what I did. So I really enjoyed the knock, but I would have liked to be on the winning side," Samson said, speaking after the mathc, as quoted by Cricinfo.
How did West Indies post 248?
West Indies captain Shai Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten 102 off 50 balls, providing the foundation for a total that proved beyond India's reach. Keemo Paul was the standout bowler for the visitors, taking 5 wickets for 41 runs from 4 overs to dismantle India's batting order and ensure the 24-run victory.
India slipped to 130 for 5 in the 12th over during the chase, placing enormous pressure on the lower middle order. The partnership between Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy briefly revived India's hopes before Shepherd's intervention ended the contest.
What is the situation ahead of the fifth T20I?
The series is now level at 2-2, with the deciding fifth T20I scheduled for Saturday in Bengaluru. India will need to assess the fitness of Arshdeep Singh, who was hit on the left shoulder by a short ball from Shamar Joseph in the last over and retired hurt. Samson acknowledged the incident after the match.
"Arshdeep is putting ice on his shoulder. Hopefully he recovers soon," Samson said.
India's bowling resources will be a key consideration for the final match of the series. The series also prompted a broader discussion on India's pace attack. Samson spoke on the depth of India's bowling options despite the absence of ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah.
"There is no replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. He is a once-in-a-generation kind of bowler, and we are very lucky to have him. But we have had some really good talent coming along also; Arshdeep [Singh] has been doing a great job, and also the way Prince Yadav has bowled in the last few games is very impressive. I feel we have some really good talent. The more we play them, the more we back them, the better they will become," Samson concluded.
