SportsPosted at: Oct 13 2026 4:29PM


4th T20I: India eye series triumph, West Indies seek to level scores

Tridib Baparnash
New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) India will look to ride their batting firepower to a series-clinching victory when they take on the West Indies in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday, with the visitors needing a collective response to prevent the hosts from taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match rubber.
The defending world champions have largely dictated terms with the bat, but the West Indies have shown enough firepower of their own to suggest that the contest could turn into another high-scoring affair. With both sides boasting an array of power-hitters, the ability to execute plans with the ball could prove decisive at a venue known for its batting-friendly conditions.
India's top order has been the cornerstone of their campaign, with Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and skipper Shreyas Iyer delivering impactful performances in turns. Abhishek's blistering 30-ball 69 in the third T20I in Indore, featuring six fours and five sixes, propelled India to 223 and set up a convincing victory.
The challenge for India, however, could lie in ensuring that their middle order remains prepared for a demanding assignment. With the top four doing most of the damage, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir have had limited opportunities to make substantial contributions. A difficult start or an early collapse could put the middle order under pressure, particularly if India are asked to chase another imposing target.
The West Indies, meanwhile, need to find answers to India's relentless approach with the bat. Shamar Springer admitted after the Indore defeat that his team had little choice but to adopt defensive tactics against Abhishek, whose ability to dominate attacks has made him a difficult batter to contain.
The visitors, though, possess the firepower to turn the contest around. Sherfane Rutherford has been their standout performer, scoring 172 runs at an average of over 57 and a strike rate of 189. With 12 sixes in three matches, he has emerged as the series' leading run-scorer. Captain Shai Hope has also been in excellent touch, accumulating 159 runs at a strike rate of 182.
Hope's century in Ranchi underlined the visitors' ability to chase daunting totals. His 102 off 45 balls helped the West Indies overhaul India's 249 in just 18.3 overs in the second T20I, a reminder that no total may be entirely safe against their explosive batting line-up.
India's bowlers will therefore need to be more disciplined with their lengths and execution. In Indore, Arshdeep Singh's three-wicket haul proved crucial in denying the visitors a successful chase, while Naman Dhir’s two for 39 offered another useful option. The hosts will need similar contributions to prevent the West Indies from dictating terms during the middle and death overs.
Hyderabad's batting-friendly reputation could further encourage an aggressive approach. The venue recorded an average first-innings score of around 209 across seven IPL matches this year. However, with dew not expected to play a significant role under lights, both teams will have to assess the conditions before settling on their plans at the toss.
The familiar surroundings could also work in India's favour, with Sunrisers Hyderabad teammates Abhishek, Kishan and Nitish set to feature. Samson, too, has fond memories of the venue, having hammered 111 off 47 balls against Bangladesh in India's last T20I here in 2024, when the hosts piled up 297 for six.
Squads:India: Shreyas Iyer (c), Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson (wk), Naman Dhir, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Prince Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav.
West Indies: Shai Hope (c&wk), Jewel Andrew (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo (wk), Kamil Pooran, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.
UNI TB AAB
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Tags: #4th T20I: India eye series triumph# West Indies seek to level scores
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