West Indies produced a stunning batting performance to defeat India by five wickets in the third and final ODI at the PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday.
Chasing a challenging target of 352, West Indies reached 352/5 in 48.2 overs, with captain Shai Hope producing a magnificent unbeaten 162 off 143 balls. His match-winning knock included 17 fours and three sixes as the visitors completed their highest successful ODI run chase.
The result ended India’s hopes of completing a 3-0 series sweep. However, India had already secured the three-match ODI series after winning the first two games.
India Post 351/7
After winning the toss, India opted to bat but suffered an early setback as Shubman Gill was dismissed for just one and Virat Kohli fell for a golden duck.
Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings before building momentum. Rohit played an aggressive knock of 92 from 85 balls, hitting 10 fours and three sixes, while Gaikwad contributed 57.
KL Rahul then took control of the innings during the final stages. The wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten on 129 from 87 deliveries, helping India finish on 351/7 from their 50 overs.
Jayden Seales was West Indies’ most successful bowler with three wickets.
Hope Leads Historic Chase
West Indies began the chase positively despite losing John Campbell for 10. Hope continued to attack while Amir Jangoo provided excellent support.
The pair added 109 runs for the second wicket, putting West Indies firmly on course. Jangoo eventually scored 67 off 56 balls before being run out.
Hope continued to bat through the innings and reached his century with West Indies still needing a substantial number of runs. Keemo Paul added valuable support with a quick 44 off 35 balls.
India picked up wickets at regular intervals, but Hope remained composed. Gudakesh Motie eventually joined him and scored an unbeaten 19 from 14 balls as West Indies crossed the finishing line with 10 balls remaining.
IND vs WI 3rd ODI: Score Summary
India: 351/7 in 50 overs
KL Rahul – 129* (87)
Rohit Sharma – 92 (85)
Ruturaj Gaikwad – 57
Jayden Seales – 3/62
West Indies: 352/5 in 48.2 overs
Shai Hope – 162* (143)
Amir Jangoo – 67 (56)
Keemo Paul – 44 (35)
Gudakesh Motie – 19* (14)
Result: West Indies won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Shai Hope
Series: India won 2-1
Hope’s unbeaten 162 will go down as one of the standout ODI innings by a West Indies batter in India. Although West Indies lost the series, their emphatic chase provided a memorable finish to the ODI leg of the tour.
