West Indies captain Shai Hope and Gudakesh Motie celebrate (ANI Photo)
The first ODI saw 595 runs scored, with West Indies making 295 for seven before India chased down the target in just 41.4 overs, finishing on 300 for two. West Indies piled up 405 for seven, only for India to chase down the target in 43.3 overs, reaching 406 for two. The match produced 811 runs. Across the three matches, both teams repeatedly crossed the 300-run mark. India eventually won the series 2-1, sealing victories by eight wickets in the first two matches before West Indies produced a five-wicket consolation win in the finale.
The India-West Indies ODI series was a run-fest from start to finish, with the three-match contest setting a new record for the highest scoring rate in a bilateral series involving at least three ODIs. The second ODI raised the bar considerably.
Even India’s 406-run chase in the second ODI prompted head coach Gautam Gambhir to question whether such batting-friendly conditions offered enough preparation for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“There has to be a bit more contest between bat and ball because this is not cricket, this is only batting,” he said. Gambhir was unequivocal in his assessment after the match.