In the critical third and final one-day international at the Brian Lara Stadium on Tuesday, India quickly erased the memory of a dismal second encounter by annihilating the West Indies by 200 runs.
Even with skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rested, the tourists’ batting finally came together to post a threatening 351-5 batting first.
The West Indies were swept out for 151 off 35.3 overs as their seamers demolished the home side’s top order. A ninth-wicket stand of 55 only postponed the inevitable.
The margin of victory was India’s second greatest in ODIs against the West Indies, and it also extended their run of bilateral series wins against the Caribbean team to 13.
Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan set the tone for India’s innings after being named man-of-the-series. Kishan took advantage of an early dropped opportunity to hit 77 off 64 balls, his third consecutive half-century, in a 143-run opening stand, a new record for India in ODIs in the West Indies.
Gill was more cautious, reaching a top score of 85 off 92 balls before succumbing to Gudakesh Motie, the left-arm spinner who was the most economical for the home side, giving only 38 runs in his 10 overs.
“This was definitely special to finally get a fifty on this tour,” said Gill after receiving the man-of-the-match award. “It’s all about playing according to the conditions and assessing the situation as quickly as possible.”
Sanju Samson also wasted no time in taking advantage of another rare ODI opportunity to smash 51 off 41 with four sixes.
