India vs. West Indies third ODI: Hope leads from the front as West Indies prevents clean sweep

West Indies coach Daren Sammy, on the eve of the third and final ODI against India, said a win against the world’s top-ranked side would give his team the much-needed confidence at a time when the players brace for pay cuts back home.

On Saturday, Shai Hope made his coach’s wish come true, leading from the front with an inspirational unbeaten 162 (143b, 17x4, 3x6) to guide his side to a five-wicket win and salvage pride by avoiding a whitewash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

Chasing 352, Hope, opening the batting, scored his second century on the bounce as the Caribbean outfit hunted down the target with 10 balls to spare.

Hope set the tone in the PowerPlay with exquisitely timed shots through covers, down the ground, and off the pads. The skipper, along with Amir Jangoo (67, 56b, 5x4, 1x6), the other centurion from the second ODI in Guwahati, stitched together a 109-run stand for the second wicket off just 99 deliveries.

The Indian bowlers looked flat and struggled to create chances in dewy conditions. However, against the run of play, Jangoo was run out when his partner sent him back. Keemo Paul chipped in, scoring a quickfire 44 (35b, 5x4). Once Paul departed, Hope dug deep despite battling fatigue. With the asking rate climbing above 11, Hope swatted Kuldeep for a six and a four in the 46th over. He followed it up with a brace of boundaries off Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj and, in the process, brought up his 150 as well.

Earlier, India posted 351 for seven, riding on K.L. Rahul’s well-paced unbeaten 129 (87b, 10x4, 6x6).

Electing to bat, the Men in Blue were rocked early in the third over when Jayden Seales struck twice. He had Gill caught down the leg-side and cleaned up Virat Kohli with an in-dipper that uprooted the middle-stump.

Rohit Sharma (92, 85b, 10x4, 3x6) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (57, 69b, 1x4, 4x6) steadied the innings with a 137-run stand. The former started cautiously against a disciplined opening burst from Seales and Matthew Forde before shifting gears.

After Rohit’s departure, Rahul took charge. The latter hit boundaries through conventional strokes, the best being the straight drive off Seales. During his knock, Rahul surpassed 10,000 international runs. At the back end of the innings, he showcased his repertoire and brought up his ninth ODI ton in style, pulling Seales over fine-leg for a maximum.

However, on this day, Hope did spring eternal for West Indies.