By Dwayne Ferreira
Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 and Shubman Gill struck 110 as India swept past West Indies by eight wickets in the opening ODI, chasing 296 with more than eight overs to spare.
Virat Kohli produced a spectacular unbeaten 139 as India comfortably chased down 296 to defeat West Indies by eight wickets in the opening ODI at Thiruvananthapuram.
West Indies had earlier posted a competitive 295 for seven from their 50 overs, led by Justin Greaves’ maiden ODI century.
But centuries from Kohli and captain Shubman Gill turned the chase into a remarkably comfortable victory, with India reaching 300 for two in just 41.4 overs.
India elected to field first but West Indies began strongly.
John Campbell struck 62 from 60 balls while Greaves anchored the innings with 101 from 108 deliveries.
The pair put together 135 for the opening wicket before Kuldeep Yadav removed Campbell.
West Indies then lost momentum through the middle overs. From 176 for one they slipped to 198 for five, with Kuldeep producing a decisive spell.
Greaves reached his maiden ODI hundred but was eventually dismissed for 101.
Amir Jangoo provided an important late boost with an unbeaten 58 from 43 deliveries as West Indies recovered to finish on 295 for seven. Kuldeep was India’s outstanding bowler, claiming four for 40 from his 10 overs, while Prasidh Krishna took two for 60.
Kohli and Gill Dominate Chase
India made a positive start through Rohit Sharma and Gill.
Rohit made 32 before falling to Alzarri Joseph with the score on 74.
That brought Kohli to the crease, and West Indies soon found themselves under sustained pressure.
Gill and Kohli added 151 for the second wicket, effectively taking the match away from the visitors.
Gill completed his 11th ODI century before being dismissed for 110 from 108 balls, an innings featuring 13 fours and a six.
Kohli was far more destructive.
The former India captain raced to his century from 74 balls and finished unbeaten on 139 from just 88 deliveries. His innings included 10 fours and nine sixes.
Ruturaj Gaikwad remained unbeaten on 13 as Kohli finished the match with a six, India reaching 300 for two with 50 balls remaining.
Despite Kohli’s match-winning innings, Kuldeep Yadav was named Player of the Match for his four-wicket spell, which interrupted West Indies’ strong start and prevented them from building an even larger total.
India consequently take a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
SCORECARD
West Indies – 295/7 (50 overs)
Justin Greaves 101 (108)
John Campbell 62 (60)
Amir Jangoo 58* (43)
Kuldeep Yadav 4/40
Prasidh Krishna 2/60
India – 300/2 (41.4 overs)
Virat Kohli 139* (88)
Shubman Gill 110 (108)
Rohit Sharma 32 (35)
Roston Chase 1/64
Alzarri Joseph 1/81
Result: India won by eight wickets with 50 balls remaining
Series: India lead 1–0
Player of the Match: Kuldeep Yadav
