5 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) West Indies produced a stunning batting performance to defeat India by five wickets in the third and final ODI in New Chandigarh, successfully chasing a target of 352 with 10 balls to spare. Captain Shai Hope led the historic chase with an unbeaten 162, helping his side prevent India from completing a 3-0 series sweep.
India had already secured the three-match series after winning the first two ODIs, but the West Indies finished the tour on a high with a memorable victory. The visitors reached 352 for five in 48.2 overs, registering their highest successful run chase in ODI cricket. It was also their first ODI victory over India since 2023.
Hope’s innings was the centrepiece of the West Indies’ remarkable chase. The left-handed batter remained unbeaten on 162 from 143 deliveries, striking 17 fours and three sixes. His innings not only anchored the chase but also placed him in the record books.
Hope’s score became the highest individual score by a West Indies batter in a successful ODI run chase, surpassing Brian Lara’s 153 against Pakistan in Sharjah in 1993. He also broke the previous record for the highest individual score in a successful ODI chase against India, surpassing Tillakaratne Dilshan’s 160 against India in 2009.
The circumstances surrounding Hope’s innings made his performance even more impressive. He had kept wickets throughout India’s entire 50-over innings before opening the batting for West Indies. He moved to the top of the order after Jewel Andrew was injured while fielding and could not take part in the chase. Despite spending the entire first innings on the field, Hope remained at the crease until the end.
West Indies lost John Campbell early in the chase, but Hope and Amir Jangoo quickly took control. The pair added 109 runs for the second wicket, taking the pressure away from the visitors and giving the innings a strong foundation.
Jangoo played an important supporting role, scoring 67 from 56 balls. His innings included five fours and a six before he was run out in the 21st over. By then, the West Indies had reached 150, and Hope was firmly established at the crease.
Sherfane Rutherford added 24 before departing, but the West Indies continued to score at a steady pace. Hope found support from Keemo Paul and Matthew Forde as the visitors remained ahead of the required run rate.
India had posted an imposing 351 for seven after being asked to bat first. KL Rahul produced an outstanding unbeaten 129, while Rohit Sharma narrowly missed out on a century after scoring 92 from 85 balls. Rahul’s innings provided India with a strong finish and appeared to give the hosts a commanding total.
India’s innings had not begun smoothly. The hosts lost two early wickets before Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad rebuilt the innings. The pair put together a century partnership that helped India recover and establish a platform for a big total.
Rohit played an aggressive innings, hitting 10 fours and three sixes, while Gaikwad contributed 51. Rahul then accelerated during the latter stages and finished unbeaten on 129. India crossed the 350-run mark, setting what appeared to be a highly challenging target.
However, the West Indies batting unit responded with remarkable composure. Hope’s control at one end allowed the other batters to play their shots without taking unnecessary risks. The visitors maintained their momentum through the middle overs and kept the required rate within reach.
Hope also battled discomfort during the final stages of his innings but refused to leave the field. He eventually hit the winning run, completing one of the most memorable ODI innings of his career.
The victory was particularly significant for West Indies because it came against an Indian side that had dominated the opening two matches. India had won both previous ODIs by eight wickets, meaning the final match offered the visitors an opportunity to restore some pride.
For India, the defeat highlighted concerns around the bowling attack despite an impressive batting display. The hosts had enough runs on the board to put considerable pressure on the West Indies, but the visitors’ batters handled the chase effectively.
The result also provided valuable momentum for West Indies ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Head coach Daren Sammy praised Hope’s leadership and his ability to take responsibility after spending the entire Indian innings behind the stumps.
Despite losing the final ODI, India won the series 2-1. The teams will now turn their attention to the five-match T20I series, which is scheduled to begin on October 6 in Lucknow.
The third ODI will nevertheless be remembered for Hope’s extraordinary 162 not out and the West Indies’ record-breaking pursuit of 352. It was a performance that denied India a clean sweep and gave the visitors a memorable finish to the ODI series.