India Bounce Back with Emphatic 200-Run Win Over West Indies in Series Decider. India swiftly recovered from a disappointing second match to dominate the West Indies by a whopping 200 runs in the decisive third and final one-day international at the Brian Lara Stadium on Tuesday.

Despite resting senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India’s batting line-up finally clicked collectively, posting an imposing 351-5 while batting first. Their seamers wreaked havoc on the West Indies’ top order, and a ninth-wicket partnership of 55 only delayed the inevitable as the hosts were bundled out for 151 off 35.3 overs.

The margin of victory was India’s second-largest against the West Indies in ODIs, extending their streak of bilateral series wins against the Caribbean team to 13.

Openers Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan set the tone for India’s innings, with Kishan scoring an explosive 77 off 64 balls – his third consecutive half-century – in a record-breaking opening stand of 143. Gill contributed a solid 85 off 92 balls before falling to Gudakesh Motie, who proved to be the most economical bowler for the home side.

Hardik Pandya, the stand-in captain, then stole the show with an unbeaten 70 off just 52 deliveries, featuring five sixes and four fours. Sanju Samson also made his presence felt with a quickfire 51 off 41 balls.

The West Indies, playing their first-ever men’s ODI at the venue, never threatened the imposing target, as Mukesh Kumar’s opening burst dismantled their top order. Shardul Thakur and Jaydev Unadkat joined in to leave the hosts in tatters at 50 for six.

Despite resistance from Motie (39 not out) and Alzarri Joseph, the West Indies could not prevent the inevitable. Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist-spin claimed two more wickets, while Thakur finished with the best figures of 4-37, becoming the leading wicket-taker of the series with eight dismissals.

Both teams are now gearing up for the final leg of the tour, a five-match T20 international series, with the first match scheduled for Thursday at the Brian Lara Stadium.