India secure ODI series victory with thumping win

Team India sealed the series victory with a ruthless performance in the 3^rd ODI at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, beating the West Indies by a thumping 200 runs. Half-centuries from Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, and Hardik Pandya lifted the Men in Blue to a commanding total of 351/5 before the West Indies packed up for just 151 in response, giving India a resounding 2-1 series victory.

Despite suffering a shock defeat to the West Indies in the 2^nd ODI, team India stuck to their guns in the final encounter of the series, persisting with the same experimental line-up to give players on the fringes of the side a chance ahead of the World Cup. The visitors produced a much-improved batting display in Tarouba, with the youngsters taking their opportunities to impress against a listless West Indies attack.

Ishan Kishan continued his fine form on the tour, racking up his third consecutive half-century of the series and adding a 143-run opening stand with Shubman Gill in 19.4 overs. The left-hander was fortunate to have a catch dropped in the second over of the morning but capitalised on his luck as he cut loose against the West Indian new ball attack to get to his fifty off 43 deliveries. Shubman Gill was more tempered with his approach early on but unleashed an array of classy strokes to get to his half-century in 51 balls.

West Indies finally broke the deadlock when Yanic Cariah had Ishan Kishan stumped on 77. Alzarri Joseph soon added another, getting Gaikwad to edge behind to first slip. The relief, though, was only temporary. Sanju Samson signalled his intent by creaming his second delivery for a six and went on to clear the ropes four times in an entertaining 41-ball 51. Samson holed out to Hetmyer at mid-off after getting to his fifty, while Gill fell 15 runs short of a three-figure score, pulling Motie to short midwicket.

The visitors slowed down after the departures of Samson and Gill, but Hardik Pandya timed his innings to perfection, scoring 49 of the last 30 balls he faced to take India to 351.

In response, the West Indies chase collapsed from the outset. Mukesh Kumar grabbed three wickets with the new ball to put the hosts on the back foot at 17/3 and the Men in Maroon failed to recover from that point onwards. Jaydev Unadkat accounted for Keacy Carty, while Shardul Thakur removed Hetmyer and Shepherd in quick succession to leave West Indies reeling at 50/6.

Thakur also helped wrap up the tail, finishing with career-best figures of 4/37 to help India skittle the West Indies for 151, sealing a 200-run victory for the Men in Blue.