Shubman Gill might may have missed out on a certain century but achieved a rare feat in the third ODI between India and West Indies on Wednesday.
However riding on Gill's stunning 98, India outclassed West Indies by 119 runs in a rain-curtailed match and eventually seal the three-match series 3-0.
India put up a robust total of 226/3 in 36 overs as Windies' batting line-up saw a collapse as they were bowled out on 137 in merely 26 overs. While Yuzvendra Chahal starred with four wickets to his name, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur picked two each.
Gill, who was adjudged the 'Player of the Match' and 'Player of the Series', joined a unique list of Indian openers who similarly remained unbeaten on 90s in ODIs. That list includes big names like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Sunil Gavaskar among others.
List of Indian openers who remained unbeaten in 90s:
93* - Kris Srikkanth
92* - Sunil Gavaskar
96* - Sachin Tendulkar
99* - Virender Sehwag
97* - Shikhar Dhawan
98* - Shubman Gill
Gill ended the ODI series against Windies as the top-scoring batter. He took the numero uno spot with 205 runs to his name at an average of 102.50 and a strike-rate of 102.50. Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer, both averaging over 50, were occupied the No. 2 and No. 3 spot respectively.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Gill revealed how much he was looking forward to complete his hundred but rain spoiled his plans.
“Was hoping to get a hundred, but that (rain) was not under my control. Was very disappointed how I got out in the first two ODIs. I tried to play according to the ball and let the instincts take over. I wanted only one more over, was hoping for that. The wicket played fantastically in all the three games. The ball was gripping a bit after 30 overs. Happy with my performance,” he said.
The youngster is not a part of the Indian T20I squad which will take on the Windies in a five-match series, starting July 29.
