Gros-Islet: India sealed a series-victory over the West Indies after defeating the hosts by 237 runs on the final day of the third Test at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia on Saturday.
Chasing a victory target of 346 after India’s second innings declaration at 217 for seven, the West Indies struggled against the tourists’ pacemen and were bowled out meekly for 108.
Only Darren Bravo (59) was able to provide some resistance as Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami scalped three wickets while Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar took two and one wickets respectively.
A draw loomed after the entire third day’s play was washed out, however, it was Bhuvneshwar’s artistic spell in the first innings that swung the way for the Indians. He bagged a five-wicket haul, triggering a middle-order collapse after the West Indies had looked solid at 202 for three just after lunch.
Resuming their second innings on 157 for 3, the tourists, led by Ajinkya Rahane (78), then added 60 runs in nine overs before declaring.
West Indies fast bowler Miguel Cummins bagged his maiden five-wicket haul, returning figures of 6 for 48.
Ravichandran Ashwin was adjudged the Man of the Match for scoring his fourth Test century (118), his second of the series, and claiming overall three wickets in the match.
With the series in the bag, India will now head to Trinidad for the inconsequential fourth Test with the aim to top the rankings. (ANI)