One night in Guwahati broke cricket. Can West Indies put it back together?
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Just picture the scene. A full house, a record total on the board and three centurions walking off to applause. West Indies had done everything right.
But — a big but — it still was not enough.
Shubman Gill had other plans. India's captain hit the fastest double-century in ODI history, 223 not out from 133 balls, while Rohit Sharma added 101 at the other end. Together they turned 405 into a target that took only 43.3 overs to reach.
That is the story West Indies must now change. Their batters have shown they can score runs against India. Their bowlers have not shown they can stop them.
India lead 2-0, though injuries to Prasidh Krishna and Naman Dhir could force changes. For West Indies, the third ODI is no longer about winning the series. It is about proving they can still fight back.
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India vs. West Indies prediction: Who will win?
India are the clear picks for the third ODI, and the reasons are easy to see.
Gill is in the form of his life. Rohit now has hit two centuries in the last three matches. Virat Kohli showed who he is in his massive hundred in the first ODI in Thirvuananthapuram, and the batting line-up looks capable of chasing anything. If 405 could not stop them, it is hard to imagine what will.
West Indies, meanwhile, gave their best batting display and still lost with 39 balls to spare. That kind of defeat can weigh heavily on a team's confidence.
I expect India to back themselves again and finish the series with a 3-0 win.
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The Cricket News Prediction: India to win
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India vs. West Indies 3rd ODI: Team news and starting XIs
Here's how we think both sides will line up in this game:
India predicted lineup against West Indies
Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar
West Indies predicted lineup against India
John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c/wk), Amir Jangoo, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph
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India vs. West Indies 3rd ODI pitch report: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium, Mullanpur
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