Shai Hope produced an unbeaten 162 to lead West Indies to their highest-ever successful ODI run chase, reaching a target of 352 to defeat India by five wickets at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. While the victory secured a win for the visitors in New Chandigarh, India claimed the three-match series 2-1.
Hope’s 143-ball masterclass broke Brian Lara’s 33-year-old national record for the highest individual score in a successful ODI chase. The captain also eclipsed Tillakaratne Dilshan’s 160 to set a new record for any batter in a successful chase against India.
Reflecting on his composure during the 352-run pursuit, Hope attributed his pacing to advice from a former Indian captain. “I had a great chat with the great man MS Dhoni, he was telling you always have more time than you think,” Hope said after the match.
Earlier, KL Rahul had steered India to 351/4 with a career-best 129* from 87 deliveries. During the innings, Rahul surpassed 10,000 international runs across all formats. However, India’s defense was affected by a slow over-rate penalty in the final four overs, which required an extra fielder to be brought inside the 30-yard circle.
The West Indies chase required a reshuffle after wicketkeeper Jewel Andrew suffered a finger injury while dismissing Naman Dhir. Andrew was taken to the hospital for X-rays, forcing Hope to open the batting despite managing a groin niggle and having kept for 50 overs. The visitors also lost Vitel Lawes during the game, who limped off with a left calf problem.
India’s bowling attack, missing primary pacers, saw debutant Anshul Kamboj finish with figures of 0/82 in nine overs. Shubman Gill highlighted the impact of missed chances in the field following the result. “Our fielding could be better. We dropped around 6-7 catches. That is not a good sign leading up to the World Cup,” Gill said.
