Captain Shubman Gill spearheaded a monumental run chase in Guwahati on Wednesday, scoring an unbeaten 223 to lead India to a historic victory against the West Indies. By successfully hunting down a massive target of 406, India clinched the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. This remarkable performance marks the second-highest successful run chase in men’s ODI history, trailing only South Africa’s 438-9 against Australia in 2006.
India overhauled the target with 39 balls to spare, fueled by a brilliant 255-run opening partnership between Gill and Rohit Sharma. Gill’s innings was particularly historic, as he reached his double century in just 117 balls, setting a record for the fastest 200 in the history of the format. His 133-ball masterclass included 26 boundaries and eight sixes, surpassing his previous ODI career-best of 208. 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.
Reflecting on the challenge, Gill remarked that chasing 400 runs is never an easy task regardless of the ground dimensions or pitch quality, expressing satisfaction at anchoring the chase until the finish. Rohit Sharma, playing with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup, contributed a swift 101 off 75 deliveries. The veteran opener hit 10 fours and six sixes before falling lbw to Jayden Seales, reaching the milestone of 12,000 ODI runs during his knock. 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.
Following Rohit’s departure, Virat Kohli made a brief appearance, adding 29 runs before the innings saw the arrival of Ruturaj Gaikwad. Gaikwad remained unbeaten on 31, providing the support needed for Gill to guide the side to victory. The win surpassed India’s previous record chase of 362, which was set against Australia in Jaipur back in 2019.
The visitors had earlier posted a formidable 405-7, their highest-ever total in ODI history, surpassing the 389 they previously scored against England. John Campbell led the charge with 101, while captain Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo both contributed centuries, scoring 104 and 114 respectively. Despite the defensive efforts of the West Indies, their bowlers struggled to contain the Indian openers on a high-scoring batting surface. They ended up losing that game too.
Shai Hope acknowledged the batting group’s consistency in setting competitive totals but admitted that competing against world-class batters leaves little room for error. The Indian bowling attack saw left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav achieve a personal milestone during the match, claiming two wickets to reach the 200-wicket mark in his ODI career.
This decisive victory ensures India takes the series trophy, with the final match scheduled to be played in New Chandigarh this Saturday.
