On the eve of the third and final ODI between India and West Indies, West Indies coach Daren Sammy said a win would boost confidence amid players facing pay cuts. The match was held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
West Indies chased 352, with Shai Hope scoring an unbeaten 162 from 143 balls, including 17 fours and 3 sixes, to lead his side to a five‑wicket victory. Opening the innings, Hope marked his second century on the bounce. He set a strong tone in the Powerplay with well‑timed shots through covers, down the ground and off the pads, and shared a 109‑run partnership for the second wicket with Amir Jangoo (67). Jangoo was later run out, and Keemo Paul added a quickfire 44.
India posted 351 for seven, riding on K.L. Rahul’s well‑paced unbeaten 129 (87 balls, 10 fours, 6 sixes). The batting lineup was rocked early when Jayden Seales took two wickets, including a dismissal of Virat Kohli. Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings with a 137‑run stand. After Rohit’s departure, Rahul took charge, hit boundaries, surpassed 10,000 international runs, and reached his ninth ODI century.
West Indies chased the target with 10 balls to spare. Hope swatted Kuldeep for a six, hit boundaries off Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj, and reached 150 amid growing fatigue. By keeping the run rate above 11, he guided the team to victory and prevented a whitewash.
