Abhishek Sharma stresses consistency as India begin West Indies series
Abhishek Sharma has identified maintaining success after a major tournament triumph as one of India's biggest challenges as the team prepares to face the West Indies.
Shai Hope century drives West Indies to their highest ever ODI run-chase in India
Having already lost the three-match series after going down in the opening two games, the Windies chased down a target of 352 with 10 balls to spare, to beat their previous highest run-chase which was 331 against Ireland in Malahide in 2019.
West Indies captain Hope promoted himself to open the batting and it paid off big time as the 32-year-old struck his 21st ODI hundred and batted for 143 balls to see his team over the line in the 49th over.
Hope received good supported from number three Amir Jangoo, who followed up his century in the last encounter with 67 off 56 deliveries, while Keemo Paul scored an important 44.
Gudakesh Motie (19 not out) then kept his skipper company with unbroken partnership of 62 from 30 balls to make sure that visitors secure the consolation victory.
India had earlier recovered from being 4-2 to post a total of 351-7 in their 50 overs, thanks largely to an unbeaten 129 from KL Rahul while opener Rohit Sharma scored 92.
The duo put on 137 for the second wicket after fast bowler Jayden Seales had knocked over Shubman Gill and Viray Kohli cheaply in the third over of the innings.
Ruturaj Gaikwad then contributed 57, Naman Dhir 17 and Anshul Kamboj a quick-fire 17 off nine balls as the home side were able reach the 350-run mark in the final over but proved futile in the end.
Shubman Gill admits India's death bowling needs to improve
India captain Shubman Gill called on his side to raise their fielding standards and improve their bowling accuracy at the end of the innings after they lost the third ODI against West Indies in New Chandigarh.
India coach bemoans flat pitch after record chase: This is not cricket, it's batting
India coach Gautam Gambhir was happy with this side's record ODI run chase on Wednesday night, but did not mince his words when describing the contest.
Records tumble as India record their highest ever ODI run-chase against West Indies
Shubman Gill struck a double-century as India recorded their highest-ever ODI run-chase to beat West Indies by eight wickets in Guwahati as the hosts sealed the three-match series with a game to spare.