Brief Score: India 351 for 5 (Gill 85, Kishan 77, Pandya 70*, Samson 51, Shepherd 2-73) beat West Indies 151 (Motie 38*, Thakur 4-37, Mukesh 3-30) by 200 runs
Player of the Match: Shubman Gill
India showcased their batting prowess, defeating West Indies by a resounding 200 runs in the series decider in Tarouba. This victory marked their 13th consecutive ODI series win against West Indies, a streak that dates back to 2006.
Despite the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India posted a commanding total of 351 for 5, driven by strong performances from Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Hardik Pandya.
In response, West Indies never gained momentum in their chase. Mukesh Kumar’s early wickets disrupted their pursuit, and Shardul Thakur’s two quick wickets left them struggling at 50 for 6. A 59-run partnership for the ninth wicket, led by Alzarri Joseph and Gudakesh Motie, delayed the inevitable.
In the morning, after Shai Hope chose to field, Kishan and Gill provided a dynamic opening partnership of 143 runs in just 19.4 overs. Both batsmen capitalized on favorable batting conditions, with Kishan riding his luck, surviving a dropped catch and a run-out chance to score 77 off 64 balls.
Kishan faced initial difficulties against Kyle Mayers but responded with aggressive shots, including back-to-back fours after dancing down the track. Gill played more conservatively after the fielding restrictions eased.
Yannic Cariah ended the opening partnership by stumping Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s innings was short-lived as he edged Joseph to first slip. Samson added quick runs with three sixes in his first 13 balls. He particularly targeted Cariah, scoring 28 runs off ten balls against him and reaching his fifty in 39 balls.
Samson and Gill contributed to a 69-run partnership in just 8.5 overs before Samson was caught at mid-off, slowing down India’s scoring rate. Gill, looking set for a century, fell for 85 off 92 balls when Motie’s delivery got stuck in the pitch, leading to a straightforward catch.
Suryakumar Yadav showcased his T20 skills, scoring 35 off 30 balls, while Hardik Pandya provided a late surge, finishing unbeaten with 70 off 52 balls.
West Indies’ chase faltered from the beginning, with Mukesh Kumar dismissing Brandon King in the opening over. The seamer maintained an outside-off length, resulting in Mayers chopping one onto his stumps and Hope nicking one to first slip. These early wickets left West Indies struggling at 17 for 3.
Jaydev Unadkat, in his first ODI appearance in nearly a decade, made a quick impact by claiming Carty’s wicket. Thakur then removed Hetmyer and Shepherd, and Kuldeep Yadav’s variations proved challenging for West Indies’ lower order.
Joseph and Motie delayed the inevitable with a resilient partnership, but Thakur ultimately cleaned up the tail to secure India’s comprehensive victory.
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