Captain Shubman Gill smashed an unbeaten 223 as India produced the second-highest successful chase in men’s ODI cricket, defeating the West Indies by eight wickets in Guwahati on Wednesday.
West Indies posted 405-7, but India chased down the target with 39 balls to spare, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
South Africa hold the record for the highest successful ODI chase, having scored 438-9 against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006. India’s previous best chase was 362 against Australia in Jaipur in 2019.
Gill Smashes Fastest ODI Double Century
Gill produced a spectacular innings, going past his previous ODI best of 208 and reaching his second double century in just 117 balls.
His unbeaten 223 came from 133 balls, including 26 fours and eight sixes. The innings also made him the fastest player to score 200 runs in ODI cricket.
Gill had already scored 110 in India’s opening-match victory and followed it up with another commanding performance.
“Great game. At half time, 400 on the board, there was a bit of pressure. No matter the pitch or ground, chasing 400 is not easy. Very proud of that performance and happy to stay unbeaten till the end,” Gill said after receiving the Player of the Match award.
Rohit Sharma Adds a Century
Gill found an excellent partner in Rohit Sharma, who continued his strong form with a blistering 101.
The veteran opener, aged 39, showed his intent immediately, hitting Alzarri Joseph for two fours and a six in the second over.
Gill brought up his second successive century with a boundary off Joseph before Rohit reached his 35th ODI hundred.
Rohit also crossed the milestone of 12,000 ODI runs during his innings. He was eventually dismissed lbw by Jayden Seales after smashing 10 fours and six sixes from 75 deliveries.
Rohit’s dismissal brought Virat Kohli to the crease, but the former captain could score only 29 before being dismissed, disappointing the packed Guwahati crowd.
Gill remained at the crease and continued India’s charge alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, who finished unbeaten on 31.
Gill Explains India’s Chasing Strategy
Gill said India divided the huge chase into smaller targets and focused on maintaining a strong start.
“We break the game into small parts,” Gill explained.
He said the initial target was to reach 75-80 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket. India then aimed to be around 200-210 by the 25th over, but their strong start took them beyond that mark.
Earlier, West Indies produced a huge total of 405-7, their highest-ever ODI score.
John Campbell led the charge with 101, while captain Shai Hope scored 104 and Amir Jangoo added 114.
Their previous highest ODI total was 389 against England, a match they also went on to lose.
Kuldeep Reaches 200 ODI Wickets
India’s Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets during the West Indies innings and reached the landmark of 200 ODI wickets.
Despite Roston Chase remaining unbeaten on 29 and helping West Indies cross the 400-run mark, their massive total ultimately proved insufficient against India’s extraordinary batting performance.
With India now holding an unassailable 2-0 series lead, the third and final ODI will be played on Saturday in New Chandigarh.