West Indies produced a stunning performance in the third and final ODI against India, defeating the hosts by five wickets in New Chandigarh on October 3, 2026. Captain Shai Hope delivered a remarkable unbeaten 162 to guide his side to a record chase of 352 runs. Although West Indies won the final match, India secured the three-match ODI series 2–1 after victories in the first two games.
India Post 351 as KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma Lead the Way
India won the toss and opted to bat first at the PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Their innings got off to a difficult start, but Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings before KL Rahul took control during the latter stages.
Rohit Sharma produced an impressive 92 from 85 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and three sixes. Ruturaj Gaikwad added 57 from 69 balls, providing valuable support during India’s recovery.
The major contribution came from KL Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 129 from just 87 balls. His aggressive innings included 10 fours and six sixes and helped India finish on 351/7 in 50 overs.
India appeared to have established a formidable position with 352 required for victory, particularly after setting a target that would normally put significant pressure on a chasing side.
Shai Hope Produces a Record-Breaking Knock
West Indies, however, responded with tremendous confidence. Shai Hope led the chase from the front, producing one of the finest ODI innings of his career.
Hope finished unbeaten on 162 from 143 balls, including 17 fours and three sixes. His century was the foundation of West Indies’ successful chase and eventually carried them beyond India’s total with 10 balls remaining.
The performance was particularly significant because Hope’s innings established a new record for West Indies in successful ODI run chases. His 162 not out surpassed Brian Lara’s previous national record of 153, scored against Pakistan in Sharjah in 1993. The ICC also noted that Hope became the first wicketkeeper-captain to score more than 150 runs in an ODI innings.
Amir Jangoo and Keemo Paul Provide Crucial Support
While Hope remained the dominant figure, West Indies received important contributions from the middle order.
Amir Jangoo played an excellent supporting innings, scoring 67 from 56 deliveries. His partnership with Hope helped West Indies maintain the required scoring rate while putting pressure back on the Indian bowling attack.
Keemo Paul then added 44 from 35 balls, ensuring that the visitors remained firmly in control during the closing stages. West Indies eventually reached 352/5 in 48.2 overs, completing their highest successful ODI run chase.
The result also highlighted the contrasting performances of the two bowling attacks. India struggled to create sustained pressure after the early breakthroughs, allowing Hope and his partners to keep the chase on track.
West Indies Win the Match but India Take the Series
Despite the defeat, India had already done enough to secure the ODI series. They won the opening two matches before West Indies responded with an emphatic victory in the final game.
The third ODI therefore became a consolation victory for West Indies, but the manner of the result made it a memorable conclusion to the series. Chasing 352 against a strong Indian batting lineup required an exceptional performance, and Hope’s unbeaten 162 provided exactly that.
For India, the match offered another reminder that a huge batting total is not always enough in modern ODI cricket. KL Rahul’s unbeaten 129 and Rohit Sharma’s 92 gave India an imposing score, but the bowling attack could not prevent West Indies from completing the chase.
A Memorable Finish to the ODI Series
The third ODI produced a spectacular contest dominated by outstanding batting performances. India finished with 351/7, while West Indies responded with 352/5 to record a five-wicket victory.
Shai Hope was named Player of the Match after his unbeaten 162, while India’s Shubman Gill was named Player of the Series.
For West Indies, the victory will be remembered for the scale of the chase and Hope’s record-setting contribution. For India, the 2–1 series victory remains the bigger achievement, despite the disappointment of losing the final ODI.
The result provided an exciting conclusion to the India-West Indies ODI series and another high-scoring match for cricket fans. For more cricket news, match reports and updates, follow Howzzat.
