GuWOWti: Records tumble as Shubman Gill powers India to victory with stupendous double ton against West Indies
Shubman Gill smashed a historic double century to lead India in a record-breaking 406-run chase against West Indies in Guwahati.
In a display of batting brilliance that will be etched in cricketing history forever, Indian captain Shubman Gill orchestrated a monumental chase in Guwahati, leading India to a historic victory against the West Indies. Chasing a daunting target of 406, Gill played a masterclass innings, smashing a record-breaking double century to secure India's highest-ever ODI chase.
A historic chase in Guwahati
The West Indies had posted a massive 405/7, their highest-ever ODI total, powered by explosive centuries from John Campbell (101), Shai Hope (104), and Amir Jangoo (114). Despite the onslaught, India responded with even greater ferocity. The foundation of the chase was a massive 255-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, which effectively broke the spirit of the Windies bowling attack.
While Rohit Sharma provided a blistering 101 off just 75 balls, it was Gill who took the game into the stratosphere. He finished unbeaten on 223* from just 133 deliveries, an innings decorated with 26 boundaries and eight sixes. India reached the target with eight wickets to spare, marking the second-highest successful chase in ODI history.
Gill shatters global and domestic records
Shubman Gill's performance was not just about the runs; it was about the unprecedented speed at which they were scored. His knock rewrote the record books in several ways:
- Fastest ODI Double Ton: Gill reached his double century in just 117 balls, surpassing Ishan Kishan's previous record.
- Fastest Century by an Indian Captain: He reached his hundred in 62 balls, overtaking the record previously held by Rohit Sharma (63 balls).
- Highest Score while Chasing: His 223* surpassed the previous record for the highest individual score while chasing in an ODI.
- Captaincy Milestone: He became the first cricketer to score a double century while leading the side in both Test and ODI formats.
- Elite Company: He is now only the second batter after Glenn Maxwell to score an ODI double century while chasing.
Statistical Dominance
The Indian skipper's current form is nothing short of extraordinary. In his last 11 ODIs, Gill has amassed 894 runs at a staggering average of 127.71 and a strike rate of 119.51. His career statistics now include 11 centuries and 20 fifties across 69 ODIs, maintaining an average of 65.12.
The victory was further bolstered by crucial cameos from Virat Kohli (29 off 19) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (31* off 37), ensuring that the momentum generated by Gill and Sharma was never lost. For the West Indies, despite the heroics of their batters, the bowling unit—including Gurnoor Brar and debutant Auqib Nabi—struggled to contain the Indian onslaught.