West Indies Secure Record ODI Run-Chase Against India as Shai Hope Smashes Brilliant 162

West Indies captain Shai Hope delivered a remarkable unbeaten knock of 162 to guide his team to a historic run-chase victory against India in the third one-day international in Chandigarh.

The visiting side achieved their highest-ever ODI run chase on Saturday, finishing at 352-5 to secure a five-wicket triumph with 10 balls remaining. India had previously posted 351-7, anchored by an impressive 129 not out from Lokesh Rahul.

Although India had already secured the three-match series following eight-wicket victories in Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati, the West Indies managed to overcome their opponents for the first time since 2023.

Shai Hope adjusted his batting position by promoting himself to open the innings after Jewel Andrew reportedly sustained a finger injury while making a catch and required a hospital visit. Despite keeping wicket through all 50 of India's overs in stifling humidity, Shai Hope produced a stellar performance to notch his second consecutive century of the series.

“Felt something around the groin area but wanted to fight through till the end,” Shai Hope said after hitting the winning run. His 143-ball innings featured 17 boundaries and three sixes. Support came from Amir Jangoo, who contributed 67 off 56 balls, and Keemo Paul, who added 44 off 35.

“[Chasing is] always a lot easier in India, especially with the dew,” Shai Hope noted. “Glad we got over the line.”

Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo put together a 109-run partnership off 99 balls for the second wicket, weathering an Indian bowling attack that brought back Mohammed Siraj and all-rounder Nitish Reddy alongside debutant pacer Anshul Kamboj. Though Amir Jangoo was run out in the 21st over, Sherfane Rutherford maintained the momentum with 24 runs, contributing a 56-run stand with Shai Hope.

Keemo Paul added 65 runs off 61 balls alongside his captain before being caught off Gurnoor Brar in the 41st over. Shai Hope then accelerated significantly, striking seven more fours and two sixes to rush the West Indies toward victory alongside Gudakesh Motie, who finished on 19 not out.

India's innings started shakily after captain Shubman Gill was caught behind for 1 and Virat Kohli fell for a golden duck to Jayden Seales. However, Rohit Sharma and Lokesh Rahul rebuilt the innings. Rohit Sharma scored 92 off 85 balls and shared a 137-run stand for the third wicket with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who contributed 57 before becoming the third victim of Jayden Seales.

Lokesh Rahul then took charge, striking 10 fours and six sixes to finish unbeaten on 129 from just 87 deliveries, supported by Naman Dhir and Gurnoor Brar.

The two teams are set to begin a five-string Twenty20 series on Tuesday in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.