West Indies chase 352 with 10 balls remaining in the 3rd ODI to complete a memorable series finale against India.
West Indies produced a stunning performance to chase down 352 and defeat India in the final ODI.
The victory gave them their highest successful run chase in ODI cricket.
At the heart of the remarkable pursuit was Shai Hope. He opened the batting after Jewel Andrew suffered a finger injury and responded with a match-winning century.
Hope also kept wicket for the entire 50 overs. Despite battling cramps, he remained composed and guided West Indies across the finish line.
West Indies finally found the early wickets they had been missing in the first two matches.
Jayden Seales made the breakthrough. He removed Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli to leave India struggling at 4/2.
The situation could have become even worse.
Ruturaj Gaikwad was dropped four times, allowing India to rebuild their innings.
Gaikwad then joined Rohit Sharma for a valuable 137-run partnership. Their stand steadied the innings and shifted the momentum back towards the hosts.
Rohit Sharma missed out on a century in the 3rd ODI India vs West Indies.
However, KL Rahul took charge later in the innings. His career-best 129 helped India post a formidable 351.
Yet West Indies had an even bigger response.
Hope took responsibility from the opening over.
His innings became the foundation of West Indies’ historic pursuit.
He first combined with Amir Jangoo for a 109-run partnership. That stand gave the visitors the platform they needed.
Hope then added useful runs with Sherfane Rutherford and Keemo Paul.
As a result, West Indies stayed close to the required rate for most of the chase.
Hope reached his 21st ODI century. However, his innings became increasingly difficult around that milestone.
He temporarily lost some fluency and cramps began to affect him.
India managed to increase the pressure during that period.
But Hope regained his timing when it mattered most.
Gudakesh Motie also provided crucial support with several boundaries.
With 56 needed from the final 30 balls, West Indies still faced a serious challenge.
Instead, they finished the chase with 10 deliveries remaining.
Keemo Paul played an important role alongside Hope.
He explained that the pair wanted to keep the required rate below eight runs per over.
When Hope began struggling physically, Paul took on more responsibility and attacked the bowling.
West Indies also adjusted their approach because they were effectively one batter short.
The coaching staff divided the chase into manageable phases. That strategy helped the team maintain belief.
Paul also felt that the pitch became easier to bat on while chasing, especially after watching India score heavily earlier.
He praised Hope’s performance throughout the series and described him as a modern-day great for West Indies cricket.
Paul also insisted that the team must avoid becoming complacent after such a major victory.
India had deliberately chosen to bat first and test their ability to defend a large total.
They scored 351 after recovering from a difficult beginning.
However, their bowling attack could not stop West Indies from completing the chase.
The fielding performance also hurt India badly. Gaikwad’s four dropped chances during the first innings proved costly in the overall contest.
West Indies, meanwhile, kept their composure even when the required rate climbed.
Hope’s determination eventually made the difference.
West Indies chased 352 with 10 balls to spare and secured their highest successful 50 overs chase in the 3rd ODI against India.
Hope’s century was the defining contribution.
He combined wicketkeeping duties, opening the batting and physical discomfort to produce a remarkable match-winning performance.
For India, the defeat will raise concerns over their bowling and fielding.
For West Indies, it provides a major confidence boost and a memorable way to finish the series.