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The third ODI between India and West Indies promises another intriguing contest, with the hosts already 2-0 up in the three-match series. While India will look to complete a clean sweep, West Indies will be desperate to finish the series on a positive note after producing two strong batting performances but failing to convert them into victories.
The second ODI in Guwahati was particularly remarkable, with West Indies posting 405/7 before India chased down the target in only 43.3 overs. Shubman Gill smashed an unbeaten 223, while Rohit Sharma scored 101. At the other end, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo had registered centuries for the visitors.
Here are 3 player battles to watch out for in 3rd ODI:
The biggest battle of the third ODI could once again involve Indian captain Shubman Gill and West Indies pacer Jayden Seales.
Gill has been in sensational form throughout the series. He scored 110 in the first ODI before producing a breathtaking unbeaten 223 in Guwahati. His double-century came off just 117 balls, making it the fastest ODI double-century in history. He also became the first Indian captain to score an ODI double-century.
However, Seales has already demonstrated that he can trouble India’s batting lineup. He dismissed Rohit Sharma for 101 in the second ODI, although he conceded 78 runs from his eight overs.
Gill’s ability to dominate the new ball could once again determine the tone of India’s innings, while Seales will need to find a way to contain the right-hander before he settles in. The West Indies pacer could look to attack Gill with a disciplined line outside off stump and mix up his lengths to prevent another explosive start.
If Gill survives the opening spell, West Indies could face another long afternoon.
Shai Hope has emerged as one of West Indies’ most dependable performers in the series, making this a fascinating contest against India’s premier wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Hope scored a century in the second ODI, making 104 as West Indies crossed the 400-run mark for the first time in men’s ODI cricket. His hundred was also his 20th in the format, taking him past Brian Lara for the second-most ODI centuries by a West Indies batter, behind only Chris Gayle.
Kuldeep, meanwhile, reached 200 ODI wickets during the second match and finished with 2/65. He has traditionally posed a different challenge to batters once the ball gets older, using changes in trajectory and turn to force mistakes.
The Hope-Kuldeep battle could therefore be crucial in the middle overs. Hope will be expected to anchor the West Indies innings, while Kuldeep’s job will be to break that stability and prevent the visitors from building another massive total.
If Hope gets on top of Kuldeep, West Indies could once again build towards a sizeable score. If the spinner wins the contest, India’s chances of restricting the visitors will improve significantly.
Another intriguing battle will be between Rohit Sharma and Jayden Seales, particularly after the West Indies pacer dismissed the Indian opener in the second ODI.
Rohit was in devastating touch in Guwahati, smashing 101 off just 75 balls with 10 fours and six sixes. His century also took him past 12,000 ODI runs and made him the oldest Indian batter to score an ODI century.
Yet Seales had the final say in their second-ODI contest, trapping Rohit lbw after the veteran had helped India make a flying start alongside Gill.
The third ODI could provide another opportunity for Rohit to respond. With India already having secured the series, he may be keen to continue his rhythm ahead of the upcoming international assignments. For Seales, the objective will be to reproduce the control that eventually brought him Rohit’s wicket.
The early overs could therefore set the tone for the entire Indian innings. Rohit’s aggressive strokeplay against Seales’ pace and movement will be a battle worth watching closely.
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