Fifties from Kishan, Gill, Samson, and Hardik take India past 350 in the Third ODI against West Indies
India ended up with a mammoth score of 351-5 at the end of 50 overs
Some questions were raised about the poor batting performance in the second ODI and the men in blue answered all the questions in style as they made the West Indies bowlers travel to all parts of the ground ending up with a score of 351-5 at the end of 50 overs. Batting first the opening pair of Ishan Kishan and Shubhman Gill got India off to a flier as the duo added 143 runs for the first wicket in 19.4 overs. Kishan was the most aggressive of the two as the left-hander did not let any bowler settle and was severe on loose deliveries. He attacked the new ball and targeted Jayden Seals who was removed from the bowling attack after bowling just three overs in his first spell. Kishan treated the spin duo of Gudakesh Moti and Cariah with equal disdain as he pounced on anything short and targeted the straight boundary against the spinners completing an attacking fifty in the process. He was dismissed after scoring 77 off 64 balls including 8 fours and 3 sixes.
Watchful Gill
Gill who was batting sedately at the other end started playing his shots after Kishan got out. One of the features of Gill’s innings was his running between the wickets. He was quick to spot an opportunity for a run and made use of it with ease. Although he slowed down a bit after completing his fifty as Samson who walked into bat at number four started playing his shots from ball one and hit two sixes in his first three balls. He did not let the West Indies get back in the match as he made sure to carry on the platform given by the opening pair. He was quite aggressive against as he hit spinner Yannic Cariah for two sixes in an over which gave him the momentum and he kept on hitting till he got out after scoring a quick fire 51 off 41 balls.
The Finishing Touch
Hardik Pandya and Surya Kumar Yadav walked in at a time when West Indies was on top for a brief period. The duo batted sensibly together and stitched a much-needed partnership which ensured India get past 350. Hardik especially was struggling to get the timing and had to get his runs by running a lot of singles before eventually getting the opportunity to free his hands in the last over of the innings. He showed great composure during that phase before ending up with 70* off 52 balls.
