Virat Kohli and captain Shubman Gill struck magnificent centuries as India cruised to an eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the first ODI at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
The win gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after the hosts chased down a target of 296 in just 41.4 overs, finishing at 300/2. Kohli remained unbeaten on 139 off 124 deliveries, while Gill scored 110 off 107 balls. The pair added 150 runs for the second wicket to put India firmly in control of the chase.
West Indies had earlier posted 295/7, with Justin Greaves scoring his maiden ODI century. However, Kuldeep Yadav’s impressive spell of 4/40 helped India restrict the visitors after they had made a strong start.
Kohli, Gill take India home with centuries
India began the chase positively, with Gill and Rohit Sharma putting together 75 runs for the opening wicket. After Rohit’s dismissal, Kohli joined Gill and the two took charge, combining controlled strokeplay with steady running between the wickets.
Gill made the most of an early reprieve on 11, when substitute fielder Keemo Paul dropped him off Jayden Seales. He went on to bring up his half-century from 49 balls before reaching his century off 96 deliveries. His innings included a series of well-timed drives and cuts, along with attacking strokes against the spinners.
Kohli, meanwhile, continued his strong record in ODI chases. He rotated the strike effectively before accelerating with a range of boundaries and sixes. He reached his half-century off 40 balls and brought up his century in 74 deliveries, sending the home crowd into celebration with a six over mid-wicket off Gudakesh Motie.
Kohli finished unbeaten on 139, hitting 10 fours and nine sixes. The knock was his 55th ODI century and 86th in international cricket. He also became the second batter to reach 15,000 runs in ODIs, joining Sachin Tendulkar.
Gill’s 110 was his 10th ODI century. He was eventually dismissed while attempting a slog sweep off Roston Chase, with Jewel Andrew completing the catch in the deep. Kohli and Gill’s partnership had, however, left India needing only a few runs to complete the victory.
Kuldeep’s four-wicket spell checks West Indies’ progress
Earlier, West Indies looked set for a much bigger total after openers John Campbell and Greaves added 135 runs for the first wicket in 19.2 overs.
Campbell scored 62 off 60 deliveries, while Greaves continued through the innings to make 101. Their partnership gave the visitors a strong platform, with the scoring rate remaining above six runs per over during the opening 20 overs.
Kuldeep broke the stand by dismissing Campbell, who mistimed a sweep and was caught by Prasidh Krishna at mid-on. The left-arm wrist-spinner then removed captain Shai Hope before striking twice in successive deliveries to dismiss Greaves and Andrew.
Greaves was trapped leg before wicket while attempting a sweep, while Andrew was beaten by a googly and dismissed after playing forward. West Indies slipped from 176/1 to 198/5, allowing India to regain control.
Amir Jangoo provided a late boost with an unbeaten 58. He added 48 runs for the sixth wicket with Roston Chase and another 38 for the seventh with Matthew Forde to help West Indies reach 295/7.
Kuldeep finished with 4/40, while Jangoo’s late hitting ensured the visitors approached the 300-run mark. However, Kohli and Gill’s commanding partnership made the target a comfortable one for India.
India will look to build on the opening win when the teams meet in the second ODI of the series.
