Gill double ton powers India to record chase against West Indies

Guwahati, September 30: Shubman Gill produced a spectacular unbeaten 223 as India chased down 406 to defeat West Indies by eight wickets in the second ODI at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

The victory completed India’s highest successful ODI run-chase and the second-highest in the history of the format, with the hosts reaching the target in just 43.3 overs and taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

West Indies had earlier posted a formidable 405 for seven after being sent in to bat, powered by centuries from John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo.

Campbell gave the visitors a flying start with 101 from 68 balls, while captain Hope anchored the middle overs with 104 from 94 deliveries. Jangoo then accelerated sharply, striking 114 from 77 balls as West Indies pushed beyond 400.

India’s bowlers endured a difficult afternoon, although Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Gurnoor Brar claimed two wickets each.

The chase, however, quickly developed into a remarkable display of batting dominance.

Rohit Sharma and Gill put on 255 for the opening wicket, ensuring India stayed well ahead of the required rate throughout the first half of the innings.

Rohit struck 101 from 75 balls, including 10 fours and six sixes, while Gill took complete control at the other end.

Gill reached his century from 62 balls and continued to attack with extraordinary consistency, passing 150 from 89 deliveries before completing his double hundred from just 117 balls.

Even Rohit’s dismissal in the 27th over did little to disrupt India’s momentum.

Virat Kohli added a brisk 29 from 19 balls before falling to Shamar Joseph, while Ruturaj Gaikwad provided steady support with an unbeaten 31.

Gill remained untouched, finishing with 26 fours and eight sixes in his 133-ball innings.

India crossed 400 before the end of the 43rd over and completed the chase with 39 balls remaining, turning what appeared to be a daunting target into a remarkably comfortable victory.

The result underlined the dominance of India’s top order and left West Indies reflecting on how a total of 405 — built around three individual centuries — still proved insufficient.

Scores in brief:

West Indies 405/7 in 50 overs (Amir Jangoo 114, Shai Hope 104, John Campbell 101; Ravindra Jadeja 2-75, Kuldeep Yadav 2-65, Gurnoor Brar 2-96) lost to India 406/2 in 43.3 overs (Shubman Gill 223*, Rohit Sharma 101, Ruturaj Gaikwad 31*) by eight wickets.

Player of the match – Shubman Gill