GUWAHATI: India produced a stunning batting performance on Wednesday, chasing down a mammoth 406-run target against the West Indies in just 43.3 overs to register their highest successful run chase in ODI cricket.
Led by a sensational 223 off 133 balls from captain Shubman Gill and a fluent 101 off 75 balls from Rohit Sharma, India won the second ODI by eight wickets and sealed the three-match series.
Gill’s unbeaten double-century featured 26 fours and eight sixes, while Rohit struck 10 fours and six sixes during his century. The chase marked only the second successful pursuit of a 400-plus target in ODI history, after South Africa’s famous 438-run chase against Australia in 2006.
The Indian opening pair dominated from the outset, putting together 255 runs before Rohit was dismissed for 101. Their partnership was India’s second-highest opening stand in ODIs, behind the 258-run partnership between Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly against Kenya in 2001.
After Rohit’s departure, Virat Kohli joined Gill but was dismissed for 29 off 19 balls. Ruturaj Gaikwad then partnered Gill and scored a composed 31 off 37 deliveries as India completed the chase with six overs to spare.
The West Indies bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters, with only Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph managing to take wickets.
Earlier, the West Indies posted a formidable 405/7 in 50 overs, powered by centuries from John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo.
Campbell smashed 101 off 68 balls, including nine fours and five sixes, providing an explosive start. Captain Hope followed with 104 off 94 balls, while Jangoo accelerated brilliantly to 114 off 77 deliveries, hitting 13 fours and three sixes.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the most successful bowler with figures of 2/65, although the hosts struggled to contain the West Indies’ aggressive batting display.
India’s remarkable chase ultimately overshadowed the visitors’ imposing total, with Gill’s record-setting innings and Rohit’s century powering the hosts to a comprehensive victory.
