India secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match ODI series against the West Indies on Wednesday, pulling off the second-highest successful run chase in men’s cricket history. Led by a magnificent, unbeaten 223 from captain Shubman Gill, the hosts reached their daunting 406-run target with 39 balls to spare in Guwahati. Rohit, despite being 39, is looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup and made his intent clear from the start, hitting Alzarri Joseph for two fours and a six in the second over.
The visitors had earlier posted a formidable 405-7, their highest ODI score ever, surpassing the 389 they previously recorded against England. The effort was driven by a trio of centuries from John Campbell (101), captain Shai Hope (104), and Amir Jangoo (114). Despite the clinical batting display, West Indies captain Shai Hope noted that while there were many positives, the margin for error against world-class batting lineups remains razor-thin. They ended up losing that game too.
India’s response was anchored by a spectacular 255-run opening partnership between Gill and Rohit Sharma. Sharma, who surpassed 12,000 ODI runs during his 75-ball blitz, scored 101 before falling lbw to Jayden Seales. Following his dismissal, Virat Kohli added 29 runs before the innings was steered to completion by an unbeaten 31 from Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Gill’s historic knock, featuring 26 fours and eight sixes across 133 balls, saw him reach his double century in just 117 deliveries, marking the fastest 200 in ODI history. Reflecting on the feat, the Player of the Match admitted that chasing 400 is an immense challenge regardless of the ground dimensions or the quality of the wicket. Gill, who hit 110 in the opening win, went past his previous ODI best of 208 and reached his second double ton in 117 balls for the fastest 200 in ODI history. According to no matter how good the wicket is, no matter how small the ground is, chasing 400 is never easy,”, Player of the match Gill. “So, very pleased with the performance and very happy that I was able to stay till the end and finish the game for the team.
The record for the highest successful ODI chase remains with South Africa, who reached 438-9 against Australia in 2006. India’s previous benchmark was significantly lower, standing at 362 against Australia in Jaipur in 2019.
On the bowling front for India, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets, a performance that saw him surpass the milestone of 200 ODI career dismissals. While the Indian bowlers faced a difficult day on a batting-friendly pitch, the team’s relentless pace proved insurmountable for the Caribbean side.
This performance follows Gill’s 110-run contribution in the series opener, confirming his current run of elite form. With the series already decided, both teams look ahead to the final match of the tour, scheduled for this Saturday in New Chandigarh.
