West Indies produced a stunning comeback in the third and final ODI against India at the PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, chasing down a target of 352 runs with 10 balls to spare. Captain Shai Hope led the way with a magnificent unbeaten 162 as West Indies defeated India by five wickets. Despite the defeat, India won the three-match series 2-1 after convincing victories in the first two games.
After winning the toss, India opted to bat but suffered an early setback. Shubman Gill was dismissed for just one run, while Virat Kohli fell for a golden duck to Jayden Seales.
India were in trouble at 28/2, but Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings. Rohit scored an impressive 92 from 85 balls, while Gaikwad contributed 57. Their partnership helped India rebuild after the early wickets.
The major highlight of India’s innings was KL Rahul’s brilliant unbeaten 129. Rahul reached his century from just 80 balls and finished with 10 fours and six sixes. His aggressive late-innings batting pushed India to an imposing 351/7 in 50 overs.
West Indies’ response was led by captain Shai Hope, who produced one of the finest ODI innings of his career.
Hope scored an unbeaten 162 from 143 balls, including 17 fours and three sixes. His innings combined patience with outstanding acceleration in the closing stages. He reached his century from 104 balls before shifting gears dramatically.
Amir Jangoo provided excellent support with 67 from 56 balls, while Keemo Paul added a valuable 44 from 35 deliveries. Hope’s partnerships kept the required run rate under control and ensured that West Indies remained in the contest throughout the chase.
The visitors eventually reached 352/5 in 48.2 overs, completing their highest successful ODI run chase and winning by five wickets with 10 balls remaining.
India’s bowlers struggled to contain the West Indies batting attack on a challenging evening. Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Naman Dhir and Gurnoor Brar each claimed a wicket, but the attack could not stop Hope’s remarkable innings.
India also had to deal with a slow-over-rate penalty in the final four overs, leaving an additional fielder inside the 30-yard circle. That restriction made the task even more difficult as Hope and Gudakesh Motie accelerated towards the finish.
The result highlighted areas India will need to address, particularly their death bowling, fielding and ability to close out high-scoring matches.
Although West Indies won the final ODI, India had already secured the series after winning the first two matches.
India won the opening ODI in Thiruvananthapuram by eight wickets, before producing another dominant performance in Guwahati. In the second ODI, India chased down West Indies’ 405/7 by scoring 406/2 in just 43.3 overs, with Shubman Gill smashing a record-breaking 223 not out.
The third ODI therefore served as a consolation victory for West Indies, but it was an important statement from Hope and his team after two heavy defeats.
The match produced a fascinating battle between two outstanding unbeaten hundreds.
KL Rahul’s 129 not out gave India the platform to post 351, while Shai Hope’s 162 not out took West Indies over the line. Both captains demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, but Hope’s innings ultimately proved decisive.
For India, the series nevertheless offered plenty of positives, particularly their explosive batting. For West Indies, the third ODI will be remembered as a remarkable display of resilience and chasing ability.
- India: 351/7 in 50 overs
- West Indies: 352/5 in 48.2 overs
- West Indies won by: 5 wickets
- Player of the Match: Shai Hope – 162* (143)
- Series result: India won 2-1
