A packed stadium was treated to a spectacular display of batting on Wednesday, with Shubman Gill anchoring India's chase by remaining unbeaten on 223 runs off just 133 deliveries, leading his side to an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second One Day International of the series. Gill's innings marked his personal best in ODIs and set a new benchmark for the highest individual score achieved in a successful run‑chase. It was his eleventh century in the 50‑over format and one of five centuries struck on the day, as India posted a massive total of 406 for two wickets in just 43.3 overs, securing a 2-0 lead in the three‑match series.
His opening partner, Rohit Sharma, contributed a solid 101, and together the pair compiled a 255‑run opening partnership off 158 balls – the second‑largest opening stand ever recorded by India in ODIs, trailing only the 258‑run partnership between Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly against Kenya in 2001. The chase represented only the second occasion in ODI history that a team successfully pursued a target exceeding 400 runs. The first such feat was South Africa's record 438‑9 against Australia in 2006. India's successful pursuit of 406 surpassed its previous best chase of 362‑1 set against Australia in Jaipur in 2013, establishing a new national record.
Before India's innings, the West Indies had made history of their own by crossing the 400‑run threshold for the first time in an ODI, finishing on 405‑7. Their batting display featured three centuries – a rare occurrence – with Amir Jangoo leading the way with 114, captain Shai Hope adding 104, and opener John Campbell blasting a rapid 101 off just 68 balls.
This marked the first time three batsmen reached three figures in a single ODI innings, and although the West Indies amassed a formidable total, they ultimately fell short. Gill's knock was built on aggressive intent from the outset. After reaching his half‑century in just 24 balls, he accelerated to a century in 62 deliveries, showcasing a blend of power and precision.
His second fifty came in a mere 24 balls, and he continued to dominate after Sharma's dismissal, eventually reaching the double‑hundred mark in just 117 balls – the fastest double century ever recorded in ODIs. By the time he was dismissed, India needed only 6.3 overs to finish the chase. Sharma, who was dismissed lbw by Jayden Seales in the 27th over, recorded his 35th ODI century, reaching 101 off 72 balls. The partnership between Gill and Sharma not only set a new record for the highest opening stand in a successful chase but also highlighted India's depth in the top order.
Gill's 223 surpassed Glenn Maxwell's previous record of 201 against Afghanistan in Mumbai in 2023, making it the highest score ever achieved in a run‑chase and the third‑highest individual total in ODI history overall. In his post‑match interview, Gill reflected on the conditions, saying, "It was a hot and humid day. 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." The West Indies' innings began explosively, with Campbell striking five sixes and nine fours, helping the visitors reach 96‑1 in the powerplay. He later reached his second ODI hundred in just 65 balls, while his partnership of 110 runs with Hope (who also notched his 20th ODI century) set the tempo for the West Indian total.
Jangoo, building on a half‑century from the first match, added a swift 114 off 70 balls, hitting three sixes and 13 fours, and the team accelerated in the final ten overs to post 76 runs. The match was notable for being the first instance of five centuries being scored in a single ODI game.
While it was the 11th occasion of a side producing three centuries in an ODI, it was the first time that such a performance ended in defeat, underscoring the extraordinary nature of India's chase. Looking ahead, Chandigarh is set to host the series‑deciding third ODI on Saturday. India had already secured the first match with a seven‑wicket win in Thiruvananthapuram.
In related news, Australia avoided a clean 3‑0 sweep by South Africa in their own three‑match series, clinching a rain‑affected third ODI by 45 runs via the DLS method. South Africa, having already secured the series with victories in Durban and Johannesburg, were 145‑4 after 28 overs when rain halted play at 9:30 pm local time. Earlier in that match, Australia posted 322‑9, bolstered by captain Mitchell Marsh's third consecutive half‑century and Alex Carey's 74 off 88 balls. Fast bowler Xavier Bartlett and leg‑spinner Adam Zampa each took two wickets, while Corbin Bosch claimed the wickets of Carey and Cameron Green in the death overs.
All‑rounder Gerald Coetzee finished with figures of 4‑60, and teammates Lizaad Williams and others contributed two wickets each. Overall, the day highlighted the evolving dynamics of modern ODI cricket, where massive totals and rapid scoring rates have become increasingly common, and where individual brilliance—exemplified by Gill's historic double century—can reshape the narrative of a match and set new standards for future generations.