Mount 406 scaled: Rohit, Gill power India to record ODI chase, seal series in Guwahati

India produced a stunning batting masterclass in Guwahati on Wednesday, chasing down West Indies’ 405-run target with eight wickets and 39 balls to spare.

Shubman Gill’s record-breaking double century and Rohit Sharma’s hundred powered India to 406/2 in 43.3 overs, sealing the ODI series 2-0. Gill remained unbeaten on 223 off 133 balls, registering the fastest double century in ODI cricket, while Rohit smashed 101 off 75. India also became only the second team to successfully chase a 400-plus total in an ODI.

The victory eclipsed India’s previous highest successful chase of 362/1 against Australia in Jaipur in 2013. It was also the first successful chase of 400 or more in men’s ODIs since 2006.

WEST INDIES PRODUCE RECORD BATTING DISPLAY

West Indies had appeared to put the game beyond India’s reach after producing their best ODI total.

John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo all struck centuries as the visitors posted 405/7, their highest-ever ODI total.

Campbell set the tone with a blistering 101 off 68 balls, hitting nine fours and five sixes. Hope overcame an early reprieve, when Virat Kohli dropped him on 27, to score 104 off 94 deliveries.

Jangoo then provided the late fireworks, smashing 114 off 77 balls and reaching his second ODI century in only 69 deliveries.

The three centuries made West Indies the first team to have three batters score hundreds in the same ODI innings. Their 405/7 also surpassed their previous best of 389 against England in 2019.

GILL AND ROHIT TURN CHASE INTO A ROUT

India’s chase began positively, with Gill and Rohit refusing to allow the size of the target to dictate their approach.

Rohit was particularly aggressive against the pacers, reaching his half-century in 32 balls. Gill followed with his fifty from 38 deliveries as India’s run rate remained comfortably ahead of the required rate.

The opening pair brought up 100 inside 12 overs and reached 200 in the 22nd over without losing a wicket. They also became the first opening combination to add 200 while chasing a target above 350 in an ODI.

Gill then shifted gears spectacularly. He brought up his century from just 62 balls and began dismantling the West Indies attack with powerful strokes and precise placement.

Rohit completed his 35th ODI century before falling for 101, ending a sensational 255-run opening partnership.

GILL BREAKS FASTEST DOUBLE-CENTURY RECORD

Rohit’s dismissal did little to slow India’s march.

Gill reached his double century from 117 balls, breaking Ishan Kishan’s record of 126 balls for the fastest 200 in men’s ODI cricket.

He finished unbeaten on 223, with 26 fours and eight sixes, completing one of India’s most emphatic ODI chases.

The innings also highlighted Gill’s ability to absorb the initial pressure of a huge chase before taking complete control once he settled in.

BOWLING REMAINS INDIA’S CONCERN

While India’s batting dominated the headlines, their bowling attack endured a difficult evening.

In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, the younger pace options struggled on a flat Barsapara surface. Auqib Nabi conceded 84 runs in 8.5 overs, while Gurnoor Brar went for 96 runs despite taking two wickets. Prasidh Krishna finished with 1/45 in five overs.

Naman Dhir was also forced off after twisting his ankle following 6.1 overs.

Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja provided some control, taking two wickets each. Kuldeep’s 2/65 also took him into the 200-wicket club in ODI cricket.

But West Indies’ 405/7 ultimately proved insufficient. Gill and Rohit responded with a record-breaking opening stand, India completed the highest successful ODI chase in their history, and the hosts wrapped up the series 2-0 in emphatic fashion.