Some innings define a series. Some innings define a player. Shai Hope's extraordinary unbeaten 162 at the PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday did both, as West Indies chased down India's formidable 351 for 7 with nearly two overs to spare, winning by five wickets and claiming the series in the process. As a coach, I have watched a great many run chases in my time, but this one had a quality and calmness about it that was genuinely special.
India Post a Challenging Total
India's innings was built around contrasting contributions across the order. After losing Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli cheaply — both dismissed by Jayden Seales, who finished with impressive figures of 3 for 62 from his ten overs — the hosts needed someone to anchor the innings. KL Rahul did precisely that, batting through to finish unbeaten on a fine 129 off 87 balls at a strike rate of 148.28. Rohit Sharma chipped in with 92, while Ruturaj Gaikwad contributed 57 and Naman Dhir added a useful 30 off 21 before falling to Gudakesh Motie. The lower order, including Anshul Kamboj's brisk 17 not out, pushed the total to 351 for 7. It was a genuinely competitive score and most pre-match analysis would have had India as comfortable favourites to defend it — this result will certainly shift the outright series odds for any remaining contests significantly.
Hope Anchors a Masterful Chase
West Indies lost opener John Campbell early for 10, bowled by Mohammed Siraj in the fourth over. What followed, however, was a batting masterclass. Hope, captaining the side and keeping wicket, took firm control from the outset and simply never relinquished it. His 162 not out came off 143 deliveries, featuring 17 fours and an extraordinary 13 sixes, at a strike rate of 113.29. The innings lasted 255 minutes and was the backbone of the entire chase. Amir Jangoo gave him excellent support with 67 off 56 balls before being run out by Kohli. Sherfane Rutherford's 24 and Keemo Paul's 44 off 35 also helped keep the asking rate manageable throughout.
West Indies Manage the Finish Calmly
Despite losing Matthew Forde for 7 to make it 290 for 5 at the 43rd over, West Indies never looked in serious trouble while Hope remained at the crease. Gudakesh Motie joined his captain and the pair knocked off the remaining 62 runs without alarm. Motie finished on 19 not out as West Indies reached their target of 352 with 10 balls remaining. From India's perspective, their bowlers toiled admirably — Kuldeep Yadav and Kamboj each sent down ten overs apiece — but Hope was simply unstoppable on this occasion. Gurnoor Brar picked up a wicket with his nine overs, as did Nitish Kumar Reddy's part-time contribution, but nothing could dislodge the West Indies captain.
Verdict: A Performance to Remember
For those of us who analyse the game closely, it is worth noting that chasing 352 in an ODI and winning with this degree of control is extraordinarily rare. Shai Hope has long been regarded as one of the most technically correct batters in the world game, and on Saturday he demonstrated that he has the power and temperament to carry a side home in the most demanding of circumstances. West Indies deserve enormous credit for the manner of this victory. India will head back to the dressing room with plenty to reflect on, knowing they posted a solid total but were simply outplayed by a captain producing the innings of his life.
