1997: Bishop, Ambrose dismantle India for 81 in stunning win (Barbados)

The third Test between West Indies and India at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, from 27–31 March 1997, produced a remarkable turnaround and a thrilling finish.

West Indies batted first and scored 298, with Shivnarine Chanderpaul producing a magnificent unbeaten 137. India replied with 319, securing a narrow 21-run first-innings lead.

Sachin Tendulkar top-scored with 92, while Rahul Dravid contributed a valuable 78. Venkatesh Prasad had earlier impressed with five wickets for India.

West Indies struggled in their second innings, managing only 140, leaving India a modest target of 120 for victory. Abey Kuruvilla spearheaded the Indian attack with an excellent five-wicket haul, supported by Prasad’s three wickets.

Despite their first-innings advantage, India suddenly found themselves under enormous pressure as the West Indian fast bowlers exploited the conditions and launched a devastating assault on the batting order.

India’s chase unravelled spectacularly as Franklyn Rose, Ian Bishop and Curtly Ambrose dismantled the visitors for just 81 in 35.5 overs.

Bishop claimed four wickets for 22, while Ambrose took three, completing a remarkable 38-run victory for West Indies.

Chanderpaul was named Player of the Match for his outstanding century, while the result underlined the continuing potency of the West Indian pace attack on home soil.

3rd Test, March 1997