Hope’s 162 leads record West Indies run chase to beat India in third ODI

CHANDIGARH, India (AP):

Captain Shai Hope’s unbeaten 162 guided West Indies to a record run-chase victory over India in the third One-Day International yesterday.

The West Indies completed their highest successful ODI chase, reaching 352-5 to win by five wickets with 10 balls to spare after India posted 351-7, powered by Lokesh Rahul’s unbeaten 129.

India had already secured the three-match series following eight-wicket victories in Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati. However, the West Indies, chasing for the first time in the series, recorded their first victory over India since 2023.

Hope promoted himself to the top of the order after Jewel Andrew reportedly injured a finger while taking a catch and was taken to hospital. After keeping wicket through India’s 50 overs in humid conditions, Hope produced a superb innings, following up his century in the previous match. Despite showing signs of discomfort late in the innings, he remained at the crease to see his team home.

Fittingly, he struck the winning run.

“Felt something around the groin area but wanted to fight through ‘til the end,” Hope said.

His innings, the second-highest ODI score of his career, came from 143 balls and included 17 fours and three sixes. Amir Jangoo contributed 67 from 56 deliveries, while Keemo Paul made 44 off 35 balls.

“(Chasing is) always a lot easier in India, especially with the dew,” Hope said. “Glad we got over the line.”

Hope and Jangoo put on 109 from 99 balls for the second wicket to blunt an Indian attack that recalled Mohammed Siraj and all-rounder Nitish Reddy and handed a debut to pacer Anshul Kamboj, who finished wicketless.

Jangoo was run out in the 21st over, but Sherfane Rutherford (24) ensured the momentum remained with the visitors. He added 56 runs with Hope, who reached his half-century from 46 balls and brought up his 21st ODI hundred, and fifth against India, from 104 deliveries.

Paul’s aggressive innings included five boundaries as he shared a 65-run stand with his captain. Hope accelerated after Paul was dismissed in the 41st over, caught off Gurnoor Brar.

The West Indies captain struck seven more fours and two sixes after reaching three figures, scoring 62 runs from his final 39 balls to steer his side to victory.

India were penalised for a slow over rate during the final four overs, forcing them to have an additional fielder inside the 30-yard circle. Hope and Gudakesh Motie (19 not out) capitalised, adding 62 runs from 29 balls for the sixth wicket.

India won the toss again, but captain Shubman Gill was caught behind for one and Virat Kohli was bowled for a golden duck. Both wickets went to Jayden Seales.

Only 28 runs came in the first 10 overs before Rohit Sharma and Rahul revived the innings.

Sharma led the recovery with 92 from 85 balls and shared a 137-run partnership for the third wicket with Ruturaj Gaikwad.

After a measured start, Sharma looked set for a second successive century in the series before he was caught off Paul in the 25th over.

Four overs later, Gaikwad, who made 57 from 69 balls, became Seales’ third wicket.

Rahul then took charge as India surged beyond 350.

The right-hander struck six sixes and 10 fours, reaching his half-century from 41 balls before accelerating further. He eventually finished unbeaten on 129 from just 87 deliveries after productive partnerships with Naman Dhir and Brar.

The teams will begin a five-match Twenty20 International series in Lucknow on Tuesday.