Shai Hope produced a remarkable unbeaten 162 to lead West Indies to a five-wicket victory over India in the third ODI in New Chandigarh, chasing down 352 with 10 balls to spare.
KL Rahul had earlier struck an unbeaten 129, rescuing India after a disastrous start and taking them to 351/7. But Hope’s marathon innings proved even more decisive as West Indies completed their highest successful chase of the series.
The result gave West Indies a consolation victory after India had already sealed the series.
IND vs WI: India stumble before Rahul rebuilds
India’s decision to bat first looked disastrous in the opening exchanges.
Shubman Gill, who had already scored a century and a double-century in the series, was dismissed for one. Virat Kohli followed in the same over, falling for a golden duck to Jayden Seales.
At 28/2 after 11 overs, India needed a substantial recovery.
Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad provided it. Rohit gradually shifted through the gears, using his trademark boundary hitting to put pressure back on the West Indies attack. Gaikwad survived several chances and eventually brought up his half-century as the partnership grew.
Rohit looked set for another ODI century but fell for 92 while attempting a pull.
Gaikwad soon followed, leaving Rahul with the responsibility of taking India through the final stages.
IND vs WI: Rahul launches late assault
Rahul initially rebuilt alongside Naman Dhir before taking control of the innings himself.
After reaching his half-century, the India wicketkeeper was forced to manage the lower order. Anshul Kamboj provided some useful runs on debut, including two sixes, while Gurnoor Brar helped ensure Rahul remained on strike.
Rahul then exploded in the final two overs.
He moved into the nineties with a six over deep midwicket before smashing four more sixes and a boundary in the closing stages. His unbeaten 129 lifted India beyond 350 and gave West Indies a daunting target.
Yet Hope had other plans.
IND vs WI: West Indies make a flying start
West Indies attacked from the beginning.
John Campbell struck two boundaries in the opening over, while Hope immediately put Kamboj under pressure with consecutive fours. The visitors raced to 33 without loss after only three overs.
Mohammed Siraj eventually removed Campbell, but Amir Jangoo joined Hope and kept the chase moving.
Jangoo was particularly aggressive and soon moved past Hope on the scoring chart. He reached his third consecutive fifty-plus score in the series as the pair added a century partnership.
Jangoo eventually departed for 67 after a misfield opened the door for his dismissal, but West Indies remained firmly in control.
IND vs WI: Hope stands tall
Hope continued to score runs while wickets fell around him.
He passed three figures after Sherfane Rutherford’s dismissal, bringing up the 21st ODI century of his career. Keemo Paul then provided support as the required rate remained manageable.
With 81 needed from the final 10 overs, India needed quick wickets.
They briefly threatened a comeback when Paul and Matthew Forde departed in quick succession. But Hope remained calm and refused to let the chase slip.
He attacked Kuldeep Yadav in the spinner’s final over, collecting a six and a four, before taking advantage of India’s slow-over-rate penalty, which brought an additional fielder inside the circle.
Hope then found the boundary off successive deliveries against Gurnoor Brar.
A costly over from Kamboj, which went for 22, finally put the chase beyond doubt.
Hope finished unbeaten on 162, having carried his bat through the entire innings despite also keeping wicket for all 50 overs.
West Indies reached 352/5 in 48.2 overs to complete a memorable chase.
India’s bowlers had no answer to Hope’s control and West Indies’ aggressive approach. The hosts were left to reflect on a match where Rahul’s 129 had set up a huge total, only for Hope to produce an even bigger response.
Brief scores: India 351/7 in 50 overs (KL Rahul 129*, Rohit Sharma 92; Jayden Seales 3-62) lost to West Indies 352/5 in 48.2 overs (Shai Hope 162*, Amir Jangoo 67; Naman Dhir 1-33) by five wickets.
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