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

Shai Hope of West Indies plays a shot during the third and final cricket match of the One Day International (ODI) series between India and West Indies, in Mullanpur, October 3, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI

On the eve of the third and final ODI against India, West Indies coach Daren Sammy said a win against the world’s best team would give his side much-needed confidence as the players prepare to take a pay cut at home.

On Saturday, Shai Hope lived up to his coach’s wishes and led from the front with an inspiring unbeaten 162 (143b, 17×4, 3×6) to guide his team to a five-wicket win and salvage pride by avoiding a fade at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

Chasing 352, Hope, the opener, scored his second century on the bounce as the Caribbean outfit chased the target with 10 balls to spare.

Hope set the tone in the PowerPlay with well-timed shots through covers, down the ground and off the pads. The skipper along with Amir Jangoo (67, 56b, 5×4, 1×6), another centurion from the second ODI in Guwahati, stitched together a 109-run stand for the second wicket from just 99 deliveries.

The Indian bowlers looked composed and struggled to create chances in the dewy conditions. However, against the run of play, Jangoo was exhausted when his partner sent him back. Keemo Paul jumped in and scored a quickfire 44 (35b, 5×4). As soon as Paul left, Hope dug in, despite fighting fatigue. With the required rate climbing above 11, Hope bowled Kuldeep for a six and a four in the 46th over. He followed it up by stringing boundaries of Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj and also brought up his 150 in the process.

Earlier, India posted 351 for seven riding on KL Rahul’s well-paced unbeaten 129 (87b, 10×4, 6×6).

The men in blue elected to bat and were rocked early in the third when Jayden Seales struck out twice. He had Gill caught leg-side and cleaned up Virat Kohli with a scoop that ripped out the middle stump.

Rohit Sharma (92, 85b, 10×4, 3×6) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (57, 69b, 1×4, 4×6) tied the innings with 137 runs. The former started cautiously against a disciplined opening from Seales and Matthew Forde before the shift.

After Rohit’s departure, Rahul took charge. The latter hits boundaries through conventional lifts, Seales’ direct drive being the best. During his knock, Rahul crossed 10,000 international runs. He showed off his repertoire at the end of the innings and brought up his ninth ODI ton in style, pulling Seales over fine leg for a maximum.

On this day, however, Hope for the West Indies eternal spring.

Published – 03 Oct 2026 14:33 IST