KL Rahul’s ton goes in vain as bowlers falter against West Indies in 3rd ODI
It was a bittersweet ending to the India-West Indies ODI series as the Men in Blue were humbled in Mohali in another high-octane run-fest.
With the fate of the series already sealed, the final clash of the fray was about saving blushes for the visitors.
Winning the toss, India opted to bat first. Much to their shock, a double whammy from Jayden Seales jolted them in the wee hours of the innings. Shubman Gill (1) and Virat Kohli (0) were back to the pavilion even before India could get their wheels in motion.
However, an in-form Rohit Sharma (92) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (57) steadied the ship for the Men in Blue. They added 137 runs for the third wicket with Sharma leading the charge, smashing 92 off just 85 balls. Rohit’s innings comprised 10 fours and three sixes.
India lost Ruturaj Gaikwad in quick succession as well with Jayden Seales adding another important scalp to his tally. From there, it was all KL Rahul, hammering and hacking his way through. Rahul stayed unbeaten for 129 off just 87 balls, smashing 10 fours and four sixes as India posted 351/7 at the end of their 50 overs.
West Indies started well, courtesy of Shai Hope but India was quick to retaliate. Mohammed Siraj breached the defences of John Campbell (10). However, the visitors looked in total control despite losing Campbell early. Hope and Amir Jangoo regulated the chase to perfection. The two added 109 runs for the second wicket as the Windies looked in fine shape.
Virat Kohli rattled the partnership by running out Jangoo for 67. However, West Indies found one partnership after the other while Hope remained in the center controlling the charge. With significant cameos from Sherfane Rutherford (25) and Keemo Paul (44), Hope continued to push away the Indian bowling attack.
Eventually, riding high on Hope’s scintillating knock of 162*, West Indies secured a win by five wickets, saving the blushes of a clean sweep. Hope won the Player of the Match award for his unbeaten ton while Shubman Gill secured the Player of the Series award for his tally of 334 runs.
