India on Sunday defeated West Indies by six wickets in the third One Day International match to win the series 2-1. India successfully chased the target of 315 runs with eight balls to spare. Virat Kohli played the captain’s knock of 85 runs to guide India to an impressive win. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul scored 63 and 77 respectively. Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur remained unbeaten at 39 and 17 respectively.
Keemo Paul took three wickets, while Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph scalped one wicket each.
Earlier batting first, West Indies had made 315 for the loss of five wickets in 50 overs. Nicholas Pooran was unlucky to not have completed his century as he departed at 89. After Pooran left, Kieron Pollard took the responsibility to accelerate the run-rate as he began to hit Indian bowlers all around the ground. He remained not out 74 in 51 balls.
Navdeep Saini took two wickets while Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja shared one wicket each.
Speaking about his side’s emphatic win, Man Of The Match Kohli said, “Having done it so many times you obviously have bit more calmness about it, all you need is a mini partnership and the opposition will start to crumble. Shardul and Jaddu finishing is very good to see, these guys finishing the game is a much bigger thing. I had a nervous look when I walked back, but when I watched Jaddu he looked very confident. It’s been one of the best years in Indian cricket and apart from the World Cup, it’s been a beautiful year. We will keep chasing the World Cup, we have that vision in place. Having a bunch of fast bowlers is a brilliant thing to have in Indian cricket and them taking the attention away from the spinners is a huge statement. We have it in us to win series overseas and our pacers deserve it fully. We are in the process of trying to find how people react to pressure. It’s just about identifying those people and that’s something we will keep striving for.”
Pollard, for his part, said, “I don’t think there is much to be disappointed actually. I’m very very proud of the guys and yes we faltered a bit with the ball and in the field, but India yet again pushed us hard and showed why they are the number one team in the world. Lots of exciting talent in our team and we all know what they are capable of. Hetmyer had a good couple of knocks, Pooran and his superb ball striking, Hope and his consistency and the salute guy Cottrell, I believe there is lot to look forward in the future. For me, it’s trying to contribute when it’s necessary and its been a good series for both teams.”