New Chandigarh, October 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
KL Rahul smashed an unbeaten 129 off 87 balls, while Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad scored impressive half-centuries to guide India to 351/7 in the third and final ODI against the West Indies at the new PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday.
India recovered strongly after pacer Jayden Seales struck twice inside the first three overs to reduce the hosts to 4/2. Rohit and Gaikwad then steadied the innings with a 137-run partnership, before Rahul took charge in the middle and death overs to propel India past the 350-run mark.
Rohit scored 92 off 85 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and three sixes, while Gaikwad contributed 57 off 69 balls, including a four and four sixes. Rahul, playing his first match of the series, remained unbeaten with a commanding knock featuring 10 fours and six sixes.
Seales gave the West Indies an early breakthrough in the second over, dismissing Shubman Gill for one after the Indian opener had scored a century and a double century in the first two matches. Virat Kohli was bowled for a duck by Seales in the same over, leaving India in early trouble.
Rohit and Gaikwad rebuilt the innings cautiously, with India managing just 28/2 in the Powerplay. Rohit gradually accelerated after the first 10 overs, taking on Keemo Paul and Alzarri Joseph. During his innings, he also became the fastest player to reach 10,000 ODI runs as an opener, achieving the milestone in 202 innings.
Both batters benefited from dropped catches, with Gaikwad being reprieved four times and Rahul twice. Gaikwad reached his half-century in the 27th over, while Rohit brought up his fifty off 58 balls. Their partnership ended when Rohit was dismissed for 92, top-edging a pull off Paul to Jewel Andrew at deep mid-wicket. Seales then removed Gaikwad, who mistimed a delivery to backward point.
With India at 160/4, Rahul anchored the innings and built a 65-run partnership with Naman Dhir, who scored a brisk 30 off 21 balls. Dhir struck boundaries and two sixes before being caught at cover off Gudakesh Motie. Rahul had already reached his half-century off 41 deliveries.
Nitish Kumar Reddy made nine before edging Paul behind, while debutant Anshul Kamboj provided late impetus with two sixes in an over. Kamboj scored 17 off nine balls before being run out following a mix-up with Rahul.
Rahul accelerated in the closing overs, reaching his ninth ODI century off 80 balls. He then continued to attack, including three sixes in the final two overs, as India collected 105 runs in the last 10 overs to finish at 351/7.
Seales was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with 3/62, while Paul claimed 2/71 and Motie took 1/67. The visitors were left to rue several missed catching opportunities during India’s innings.
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) against West Indies.
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