The 29th match of the World Cup 2026 delivered a gripping low-scoring contest as West Indies outplayed India by five wickets at the Bellerive Oval, chasing down a modest target with two overs to spare. In a match dominated by disciplined bowling and sudden bursts of aggressive batting, Rahkeem Cornwall emerged as the standout performer with a match-winning spell that turned the game firmly in West Indies’ favour.

India’s innings never truly gained momentum after a disastrous start. Captain Rohit Sharma departed for a duck in the opening over, setting the tone for a shaky batting performance. Abhishek Sharma fell soon after, leaving India reeling early. Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill attempted to steady the innings, with Gill playing the lone standout knock. His fluent 43 off 20 balls provided brief hope, showcasing clean hitting and intent amid the collapse around him. However, once Gill was dismissed by Cornwall, India’s middle and lower order crumbled rapidly.

Rahkeem Cornwall was exceptional with the ball, using his variations cleverly to dismantle India’s batting. His remarkable figures of 4 for 11 in two overs choked the scoring and triggered a late collapse, as India limped to just 93 for 9 in their allotted 10 overs. Support came from Alzarri Joseph and Obed McCoy, who maintained pressure with tight lines and sharp fielding support.

Chasing 94, West Indies lost Brandon King early, but Nicholas Pooran anchored the innings with a calm and commanding knock. Pooran’s 44 off 25 balls balanced aggression with responsibility, ensuring the chase stayed on track despite regular wickets falling at the other end. Rovman Powell added late fireworks with a blistering cameo, striking 22 off just five balls to decisively swing the momentum.

India’s bowlers showed flashes of resistance, with Shivam Dube picking up three wickets, but the total proved too small to defend. West Indies crossed the finish line at 94 for 5 in just eight overs, sealing a crucial victory that boosted their campaign.

The match underlined the importance of composure in pressure situations, with West Indies executing their plans more effectively in a contest where every run mattered. Cornwall’s spell stood out as the defining moment, earning him the Player of the Match award and cementing this clash as one of the most intense low-scoring thrillers of the tournament so far.