A packed stadium bore witness to a remarkable day of batting fireworks on Wednesday, with Shubman Gill stealing the spotlight by compiling an unbeaten 223 runs off just 133 deliveries, steering India to an eight‑wicket victory over the West Indies in the second One Day International of the series. Gill's innings not only marked his personal best in ODIs but also set a new benchmark for the highest individual score ever recorded in a successful run‑chase. It was his eleventh century in the format, and one of five centuries that fell on the day, as India piled up 406 for two wickets in just 43.3 overs, securing a 2‑0 lead in the three‑match contest. Opening partner Rohit Sharma contributed a solid 101, and together the pair forged a 255‑run opening partnership off 158 balls – the second‑largest opening stand for India in ODI history.
Their partnership laid a formidable platform that allowed the middle order to accelerate without fear. This chase became only the second instance in ODI history where a team successfully pursued a target exceeding 400 runs, following South Africa’s record 438‑9 against Australia in 2006.
The West Indies, however, had already etched their own piece of history earlier in the innings. Three of their batsmen each reached three figures, a first‑time occurrence for the Caribbean side in a single ODI.
Amir Jangoo led the way with a commanding 114, captain Shai Hope added 104, and opening batsman John Campbell set the tempo with a rapid 101 off just 68 balls. West Indies posted a total of 405 for seven wickets, crossing the 400‑run threshold for the first time in ODI cricket. Despite the daunting target, Gill and his teammates kept their composure. Gill, who reached his second half‑century in just 24 balls, arrived at his century after 62 deliveries and continued to dominate the bowlers, eventually reaching the double‑hundred mark off 117 balls – the fastest double century ever recorded in ODIs.
In doing so, he eclipsed Glenn Maxwell’s previous record of 201 against Afghanistan in 2023 and claimed the highest individual score in a chase. His 223 not out also ranks as the third‑highest individual score in any ODI innings.
Sharma, meanwhile, notched his 35th ODI century, reaching 101 off 72 balls before being dismissed lbw by Jayden Seales in the 27th over. Their opening stand of 255 runs now sits just behind the iconic 258‑run partnership between Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly against Kenya in Paarl in 2001.
After Sharma’s wicket fell, Gill continued his onslaught, guiding India to the finish line with 6.3 overs to spare. This chase eclipsed India’s previous best of 362‑1 against Australia in Jaipur in 2013, establishing a new national record for the highest successful chase.
Reflecting on his marathon innings, Gill described the conditions as "hot and humid" and explained his approach: "With 400 on the board, there was pressure at the start and then at the halfway mark. I am very pleased I could stay till the end and finish this innings.
I try to break my innings into smaller parts. Once we scored 200‑odd before 25 overs, the pressure was on them." His methodical mindset and ability to compartmentalise the chase proved decisive. On the West Indies side, Campbell’s aggressive start set the tone.
He launched five sixes and nine fours, propelling the visitors to 96 for one wicket in the powerplay. Campbell’s second ODI century came off just 65 balls, and he partnered with Hope to add 110 runs off 79 balls, while Hope also capitalised on the batting-friendly conditions to register his 20th ODI hundred. Jangoo, building on his half‑century from the first match, struck his own century off 70 balls, hitting three sixes and 13 fours, and the team accelerated in the final ten overs to add 76 runs. The match marked the first time five centuries were recorded in a single ODI, a rare feat that underscored the batting dominance on display.
It also represented the 11th occasion that a side has produced three centuries in an ODI, though it was the first instance where those three centuries still resulted in a loss. Looking ahead, Chandigarh is set to host the series‑deciding third ODI on Saturday. India had already secured the opening match by seven wickets in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, putting them in a commanding position to clinch the series. In other cricket news, Australia avoided a 3‑0 whitewash by South Africa after winning a rain‑affected third and final ODI by 45 runs via the DLS method.
South Africa, having already sealed the series with victories in Durban and Johannesburg, were 145 for four in 28 overs when rain halted play at 9.30 pm local time. Earlier in the match, Australia posted 322 for nine, bolstered by captain Mitchell Marsh’s third consecutive half‑century and Alex Carey’s brisk 74 off 88 balls. Fast bowler Xavier Bartlett shone with the new ball, while leg‑spinner Adam Zampa kept a tight line, each taking two wickets.
South Africa’s Corbin Bosch attempted a late‑innings resurgence, claiming the wickets of Carey and Cameron Green, but the effort fell short. All‑rounder Bosch ended with figures of 4‑60, while teammates Gerald Coetzee and Lizaad Williams each contributed two wickets. Overall, the day was a celebration of batting prowess, record‑breaking feats, and thrilling chases that will be remembered in ODI history for years to come.