Thiruvananthapuram: Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill struck commanding centuries as India chased down West Indies’ 296-run target with eight wickets in hand in the opening ODI at Thiruvananthapuram.
India reached 300 for two in 41.4 overs, with Kohli unbeaten on 139 and captain Gill scoring 110. The victory was set up earlier by Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed four wickets for 40 runs on his return to the ODI side.
West Indies made a strong start after being sent in, with Justin Greaves and John Campbell putting together a 135-run opening partnership. Greaves scored 101, while Campbell made 62 as the visitors appeared well placed in the first half of their innings.
Kuldeep, however, changed the course of the innings in the middle overs. After Campbell was dismissed, the left-arm wrist-spinner removed three more batters as West Indies slipped from 176 for one to 198 for five.
Greaves, who battled cramps during his innings, eventually fell leg before wicket to Kuldeep after completing his century. Amir Jangoo then provided West Indies with some late momentum, scoring 58 off 43 balls to take the total to 295 for seven.
India’s chase was dominated by its top order. Gill, who reached his 10th ODI century in his 67th innings, provided a steady foundation before Kohli took control of the chase.
Kohli reached his 55th ODI century and remained unbeaten on 139. He also went past 15,000 ODI runs during the innings and struck nine sixes.
Gill, meanwhile, completed his century off 99 balls and reached 110 before being dismissed. He has now scored 22 international centuries, according to the report.
India completed the chase in 41.4 overs, securing an eight-wicket victory and taking an early lead in the ODI series.
The win also marked an impressive return for Kuldeep, who had been left out of India’s previous ODI series and had struggled for rhythm during the recent Test assignment in Sri Lanka.
Brief Scores: West Indies 295/7 in 50 overs (Justin Greaves 101, John Campbell 62, Amir Jangoo 58*; Kuldeep Yadav 4-40, Prasidh Krishna 2-60) lost to India 300/2 in 41.4 overs (Virat Kohli 139*, Shubman Gill 110) by 8 wickets
