IND v WI, 3rd ODI, Tarouba— Kishan, Gill, Samson & Pandya Shine With Fifties

The Indian Quartet Make Their Bats Talk

Tarouba, August 01: India posted an imposing total of 351/5 against hosts West Indies in a series decider. Skipper Hardik Pandya scored an unbeaten 70* in 50 balls, hitting five sixes, in the third and final match of the ongoing series.

India’s opening batters comprising Ishan Kishan (77 in 64) and Shubman Gill (85 in 92) stitched a 143-run partnership inside 20 overs.

Apparently hurt after losing the 2nd ODI by six wickets against West Indies, the Indian contingent, led by Pandya in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, staged a dramatic comeback in the 3rd ODI.

Though one drop batter Ruturaj Gaekwad failed to grab the opportunity to impress selectors, Sanju Samson scored an eye-catching half century to give India’s innings a much needed momentum. Samson scored 51 runs in 41 balls, hitting four sixes and two fours at a strike rate of 124.

For West Indies, pacer Romario Shepherd took two wickets but conceded 73 runs from his quota of 10 overs. Leg spinner Cariah bowled a well flighted delivery to entice Kishan to leave the crease, giving an opportunity to wicket-keeper Shai Hope to remove the bails quickly.

India strengthened its batting department with openers Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill followed by Ruturaj Gaekwad, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Surya Kumar Yadav and the two all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur.

West Indies need to score 352 runs in 50 overs to win the ODI series.

Senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have again been rested; Pandya is leading the Indian contingent in the absence of Sharma.