3rd ODI: Hope’s Unbeaten 162 Overshadows Rahul’s 129* as WI Beat India By Five Wickets

New Chandigarh, October 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Shai Hope produced a stunning unbeaten 162 to overshadow KL Rahul’s career-best 129 not out as the West Indies chased down 352 to defeat India by five wickets in the third ODI at the New PCA Stadium on Saturday. The victory was the West Indies’ highest successful ODI chase and their first ODI win over India since 2023, though India clinched the series 2-1.

Hope, who had kept wickets for 50 overs in the heat, was forced to open the innings after Jewel Andrew sustained a finger injury and was taken to hospital. Despite battling a niggle, the West Indies captain anchored the chase, striking 17 fours and three sixes off 143 balls to guide his team to 352/5 in 48.2 overs, with 10 balls to spare.

Amir Jangoo supported Hope with 67 off 54 balls, sharing a 109-run partnership for the second wicket. Keemo Paul contributed 44 off 35 deliveries, while John Campbell scored 10. Mohammed Siraj and debutant Naman Dhir claimed one wicket each, while Gurnoor Brar and Kuldeep Yadav also picked up a wicket apiece.

Earlier, India posted 351/7 after electing to bat, recovering from a disastrous start of 4/2 inside three overs. Rahul led the recovery with an unbeaten 129 off 87 balls, his ninth ODI century, while Rohit Sharma made 92 and Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 57. Rahul and the lower order added significant momentum in the closing overs, with India scoring 105 runs in the final 10 overs.

Jayden Seales took 3/62, while Keemo Paul claimed 2/71 for the visitors. The match, the first men’s ODI at the New PCA Stadium, was also marked by nine dropped catches—six by the West Indies and three by India, equalling the ODI record.

The defeat gave the West Indies a consolation victory in the series, which India won 2-1.

Brief Scores:

• India: 351/7 in 50 overs (KL Rahul 129 not out, Rohit Sharma 92, Ruturaj Gaikwad 57; Jayden Seales 3/62, Keemo Paul 2/71)

• West Indies: 352/5 in 48.2 overs (Shai Hope 162 not out, Amir Jangoo 67, Keemo Paul 44; Naman Dhir 1/33, Mohammed Siraj 1/52)

West Indies won by five wickets.