India outplayed West Indies in all facets of the game in the series-deciding third ODI.
In the series-decider, the Men in Blue piled up a mammoth 351/5 in their stipulated 50 overs. While Shubman Gill (85 off 92) and Ishan Kishan (77 off 64) added 143 runs for the opening wicket, the likes of Sanju Samson (51 off 41), Hardik (70* off 52) slammed dazzling half-centuries in the middle-order.
In reply, West Indies’ innings folded for a paltry 151 in 35.3 overs. It was a listless performance from the hosts as no batter managed to hit a half-century. Gudakesh Motie was the top scorer with 34-ball 39.
“It’s a special win. To be honest, I look forward to these kind of games as a captain where there is something on the line. This was more than an international game. We knew what was at stake and there would be a lot of disappointment if we lost. The boys showed great character. They enjoyed it as well, in pressure situations it’s important to enjoy it as well,” Hardik Pandya said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
India’s decision to rest Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the second ODI backfired as they lost the game by six wickets. While the move drew criticism, the visitors went into the series-decider without their two star batters to give opportunities to youngsters.
“Virat and Rohit are integral parts of the team. But it was important to rest them so that people like Ruturaj Gaikwad could get a chance. It was about giving opportunities to youngsters,” he added.
Talking about his dazzling knock at No. 5, the stand-in India skipper said: “I took it deep intentionally, wanted to have some time out in the middle. Had a great chat with Virat before the game, he wanted me to spend some time out in the middle and get used to the 50-over format. Really thankful for him to share that experience with me. Once you hit one ball and get into rhythm things are very different.”
While the partnership of 55 runs between Alzarri Joseph and Gudakesh Motie for the ninth wicket frustrated the Indian camp, Hardik said the game was done in the powerplay itself.
“The ball was doing just a bit. Scoring 350 was always crucial. When you have a total like that, batters chase the ball and if the luck is one your side, batters will nick it. Couple of really good catches by Gill. West Indies woke up very late and there was that partnership that took it to the 34th over. The game was kind of over in the powerplay itself,” he remarked.
The two teams will now square off in a five-match T20I series, starting August 3 in Trinidad.