India had already secured the three-match series after winning the first two ODIs against the West Indies, and the last game was a dead rubber for them. It was more important for the West Indies than for India since they needed to rescue themselves from a whitewash, which they couldn’t. India trounced the hosts by 119 runs in a rain-affected encounter (DLS method).
Shubman Gill was in good form throughout the series, including an unbeaten run-a-ball 98 in the last ODI. His innings included seven fours and two sixes. The weather deprived the opening batsman of his first ODI century, as India was forced to complete their innings early in the 36th over when the game was reduced to 35 overs for each side. Shreyas Iyer, who smashed 44 runs off 34 deliveries, provided solid assistance for Gill.
West Indies began their run chase with a challenging goal of 257 runs in 35 overs. Mohammed Siraj gave India a flying start, eliminating Kyle Mayers and Shamarh Brooks in his first over. While Axar Patel and Prasidh Krishna each took one wicket, Shardul Thakur halted his impressive run with 2/17 in five overs.
Yuzvendra Chahal was instrumental in India knocking out the hosts’ innings early in their pursuit. He ripped through the West Indies lower order, taking three wickets in two overs and ending the hosts’ pursuit at 137 runs in 26 overs. The two nations will now play a five-match T20I series beginning on July 29.
The series ended in a clean sweep for Team India and this is what the captains and the player of the match had to say.
Losing Captain – Nicholas Pooran (West Indies)
It was a tough one for us. We did a lot of right things in the first two games. I think we tried our best, the boys performed well. But there were a lot of games in a short span of time. As a batting group, it was going to be a challenge with DLS coming into play. We did get some partnerships, but not as many as we wanted, which cost us the game. There are a few inexperienced players, still figuring out how to play ODI cricket. Everyone has a good idea now, looking forward to the upcoming New Zealand series. We gained a lot in this series after coming from Guyana. The bowlers bowled well in the powerplay, they didn’t get wickets, but that’s fine. The guys are getting more confident with every game. Very excited about our T20 team, and looking forward to the game on Friday. Hope that we come out and entertain the crowd.
Winning Captain – Shikhar Dhawan (India)
I feel the boys are young, but they played maturely. The way they handled themselves on the field, I’m really proud of them. Very good signs for us. I am quite pleased with my form, I have been playing this format for a long time. I was happy with the way I played that knock, in the first ODI. And even today, happy with my performance. The way he scored those 98 runs, was amazing to watch. The way all the boys responded, was pretty amazing. We feel lucky to come here, we are thankful to the crowd. They make us more popular. I am proud of our bowling unit, they gave their hundred percent. The way Siraj took those two wickets, and the way Shardul and others bowled.
Player of the Match – Shubman Gill (India)
Was hoping to get a hundred, but that (rain) was not under my control. Was very disappointed with how I got out in the first two ODIs. I tried to play according to the ball and let my instincts take over. I wanted only one more over, was hoping for that. The wicket played fantastically in all three games. The ball was gripping a bit after 30 overs. Happy with my performance.
