IND vs WI 3rd ODI: West Indies defeated the Indian team by 5 wickets in the third and final ODI played at the PCA International Stadium in New Chandigarh. After winning the toss and electing to bat, India posted a massive total of 351 for 7, despite losing two key wickets for just 4 runs.
In response, West Indies captain Shai Hope played a magnificent unbeaten innings of 162 to steer his team to a memorable victory. West Indies achieved the highest successful run chase in their ODI history. With this thrilling 5-wicket win, West Indies finished the series 1-2, shattering India's dream of a 3-0 clean sweep.
Rahul's Century and Rohit's Onslaught
The match did not get off to a great start for Team India. Indian captain Shubman Gill, playing on home turf, was caught behind by Shai Hope off a short delivery from Jayden Seales after scoring just one run.
Seales then bowled out the legendary Virat Kohli for a duck on the very next delivery, causing India to lose two of their biggest wickets for just 4 runs within three overs. Facing the incisive bowling of Seales and Matthew Ford, the Indian team could manage only 28 runs in the first 10 overs.
After early setbacks, the experienced Rohit Sharma and the young Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings. Rohit played a magnificent knock of 92 runs off 85 balls, featuring 10 fours and 3 sixes. Meanwhile, Gaikwad scored 57 runs off 69 balls, hitting one four and four sixes.
KL Rahul, who came to the crease after the dismissals of Rohit and Gaikwad, gave the innings a historic finish. He remained unbeaten on 129 off 87 balls, propelling India to a total of 351 for 7 in 50 overs.
Shai Hope's Masterclass
While chasing a massive target of 352 runs, West Indies opener Jewel Andrew could not open the innings due to a finger injury. Consequently, captain Shai Hope himself stepped out to open the innings alongside John Campbell.
However, Campbell was bowled early by Mohammed Siraj, while Hope held one end firmly. Amir Jangoo provided excellent support, scoring 67 runs off 56 balls before being run out. Subsequently, Keemo Paul played a brisk knock of 44 runs off 35 balls, while Gudakesh Motie added an unbeaten 19 runs towards the end.
At the other end, Shai Hope remained unbeaten, scoring 162 runs off 143 balls—including 17 fours and 3 sixes—thereby steering the team to a historic victory by reaching the target of 352 in 48.2 overs. This marked the first time in West Indies' ODI history that the team successfully chased down a target of 350 runs or more.
