Brilliant performances from the Indian players’ contributed to the victory against West Indies in the last ODI in Tarouba, Trinidad on Tuesday. India won the 3-match ODI series 2-1 after a humiliating defeat in the 2nd ODI. These two teams will now face each other in the 5-match T20I series starting from August 3 at the same venue.
India showcased a spectacular all-round performance, achieving a resounding victory against West Indies by a margin of 200 runs in the third and final ODI in Trinidad on Tuesday. This triumph also led India to seal the series with a 2-1 scoreline. The team’s batting prowess was on full display after being asked to bat first, as Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson collaborated to power India to a formidable total of 351/5.
Shubman Gill played a brilliant knock of 85 runs off 92 balls and formed a robust opening partnership of 143 runs with Ishan Kishan, who contributed 77 runs from 64 deliveries. Gill later combined forces with Sanju Samson to forge a crucial 69-run stand during the middle overs, with Samson scoring a well-deserved half-century. Hardik Pandya, showcasing his aggressive style, provided the finishing touch with a brisk 70 runs off just 52 balls.
In response, West Indies faced an uphill battle with the bat as Mukesh Kumar, playing only his third ODI, impressed with his swing bowling and dismantled the top order of the opposition. His clinical figures of 3/30 in seven overs set the tone for India’s dominance. Shardul Thakur also made significant contributions, claiming four wickets while conceding 37 runs in his 6.3 overs. The experienced Kuldeep Yadav secured two wickets, and Jaydev Unadkat, returning to the ODI side after a decade, managed to scalp one wicket.
Kumar’s fiery opening spell, complemented by Thakur’s excellent support, left the hosts struggling at 88-8 at one stage during their pursuit of the mammoth target. Unadkat’s inclusion in the team was a memorable one, as he marked his return with a wicket. Kuldeep Yadav also showcased his spin skills, capturing two wickets to further dent West Indies’ chances.
In the end, West Indies fell short, getting bundled out for a mere 151 runs as India’s bowling attack proved too formidable for them. The comprehensive victory highlighted India’s all-round prowess and provided a fitting conclusion to an enthralling ODI series.
