Follow UsIndia were humbled in the second ODI but Hardik Pandya and Co. bounced back in a convincing manner in the third encounter on Tuesday (August 1) and defeated West Indies by 200 runs to win the series 2-1. The Men in Blue amassed 351/5 in their 50 overs before bowing out West Indies for 151 in 35.3 overs.
Stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya said these are the games he enjoys as captain. “It’s a special win. To be honest, I look forward to these kinds of games as a captain where there is something on the line,” said Pandya at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“This was more than an international game. We knew what was at stake and there would be a lot of disappointment if we lost. The boys showed great character. They enjoyed it as well, in pressure situations, it’s important to enjoy it as well. “
India once again went with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli but almost every single batter chipped in. The likes of Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and Pandya all smashed fifties and batted West Indies out of the game. Pandya, who hasn’t been in great form of late, hit four fours and five sixes in his 52-ball 70*.
“I took it deep intentionally, wanted to have some time out in the middle. Had a great chat with Virat before the game, he wanted me to spend some time out in the middle and get used to the 50-over format. Really thankful for him to share that experience with me. Once you hit one ball and get into rhythm things are very different.“
However, Hardik expressed some concerns over some of the facilities in the Caribbean.
"This was one of the nicest grounds we have played. Things can be better when we come to West Indies next time. From travelling to managing a lot of things. Last year also, some hiccups happened," Hardik said.
"I think it's time for West Indies Cricket to take note of it and make sure that when a team travels... We don't ask for luxury but we need some basic necessities taken care of."
Kishan was named Player of the Series. The left-handed batter managed scores of 52, 55 and 77 and became only the second Indian wicketkeeper-batter to slam three consecutive fifties after MS Dhoni (five times). The opener ended the series as the leading run-scorer (184 runs @ 61.33) and did all this at a strike rate of 111.52.
“Not so happy with the finishing that I gave. I was supposed to score big after being set. That’s what my seniors told me, I should’ve stayed in and scored big. That’s what I’ll try next time, I’ll get set in the middle and score big. It’s important at this level to get set. It’s important to forget the last game and start from 0. I was thinking of taking it one ball at a time,” said Kishan.
Meanwhile, West Indies captain Shai Hope didn’t shy away from accepting that his team failed to put up a fight in the series-decider after pulling off a special win in the second ODI.
“We can look back and change many things but it is what it is. We didn't give them a challenge with the ball at the start. 350 was a gettable total on that wicket but today wasn't our day. Anytime you play, you gotta believe you can win. I keep stressing on that same thing - the consistency in attitude and the key is to get the guys together and turn some of these losses into wins.”