India Completes Dominating 200-Run Victory to Seal ODI Series Win
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, a second-string Indian team defeated West Indies by 200 runs in the third One-day International (ODI) on Tuesday, securing a 2-1 series victory. The win comes as a boost for India as they gear up for the upcoming Asia Cup next month and the home World Cup in October-November.
India’s strategy to experiment with their team combination saw skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rested for the second ODI. Despite West Indies leveling the series in Bridgetown, Sharma and Kohli were not called back for the decider, which clearly didn’t hamper India’s performance as they dominated the match from the start.
After being put into bat, India amassed an impressive total of 351-5 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. Ishan Kishan, who had been in outstanding form throughout the series, scored a blistering 77 runs, marking his third successive fifty. Shubman Gill also made a notable contribution with 85 runs, combining with Kishan for a solid 143-run opening partnership.
Sanju Samson’s breezy knock of 51 and stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya’s unbeaten 70 off 52 deliveries provided the late flourish for India, propelling them past the 350-run mark.
In response, West Indies struggled to find their footing and were eventually bowled out for 151 in 35.3 overs. Apart from Alick Athanaze, who scored 32 runs, and Gudakesh Motie, who remained unbeaten at 39, the rest of the West Indies batsmen failed to offer much resistance.
Mukesh Kumar, with figures of 3-30, wreaked havoc at the top order of the West Indies lineup, while Shardul Thakur dismantled the bottom half with a four-wicket haul, conceding just 37 runs. This victory marked India’s 13th consecutive ODI series win against West Indies.
Speaking after the match, Pandya expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of pressure situations. As a captain, I look forward to these kinds of games where something is on the line. Without pressure, you can’t be heroes, he remarked.
West Indies captain Shai Hope acknowledged that India’s mammoth total was theoretically attainable but lamented his team’s lack of consistency. They got 350, you have to believe ‘we can too’. Just trying to keep stressing on that attitude, Hope said. We are not consistent enough with that attitude. Some days we wake up and play like the best team in the world, and some days we just get steamrolled.
The two teams will now face each other in a five-match T20 series, which is set to commence on Thursday.
India’s dominating victory is a testament to their depth in talent and ability to perform even with a second-string team. As they set their sights on the upcoming Asia Cup and the home World Cup, their impressive form in ODIs will undoubtedly boost their confidence and make them a formidable force in international cricket.
