THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, SEP 27 (IANS): India produced a commanding performance in the first ODI against the West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, securing an emphatic eight-wicket victory to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. The match was defined by a batting masterclass from Virat Kohli, who struck an unbeaten 139, and a fluent century from captain Shubman Gill, whose 110 set the tone for India’s chase. Earlier, the West Indies had posted a competitive total of 295/7, with Justin Greaves scoring a valiant 101 before retiring hurt due to shin cramps. India’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav with a four-wicket haul, ensured the visitors did not run away with the game, keeping them to a manageable score despite some resistance in the middle order.
India’s reply began with Rohit Sharma and Gill providing a brisk 74-run opening stand. Rohit looked in fine touch, striking boundaries and sixes, but his innings ended at 32 when Alzarri Joseph dismissed him for the fourth time in ODIs. Gill, however, carried on with elegance and determination, despite battling cramps. His innings was marked by crisp drives, pulls, and cuts, and he reached his century off 108 balls, decorated with 13 fours and a six. His knock earned a standing ovation as he departed after building a 151-run partnership with Kohli that effectively batted the West Indies out of the contest.
Kohli’s innings was the highlight of the day. He reached his fifty in just 40 balls and then accelerated with devastating effect, smashing ten fours and nine sixes in his 88-ball unbeaten 139. This knock was his 55th ODI century, his 10th against the West Indies, and also marked the milestone of becoming only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach 15,000 ODI runs. Kohli achieved this landmark faster than anyone else in men’s cricket history, underscoring his stature as one of the greatest in the format. His nine sixes were the most he has ever hit in an ODI innings, reflecting the sheer dominance he displayed. The century, his third-fastest in ODIs, came off just 74 balls and was part of a rare day in cricket history when six ODI centuries were scored worldwide.
The chase was marked by several key phases. Rohit’s early aggression set the tone, including a six off Matthew Forde, while Gill’s fluent strokeplay kept India ahead even as he overcame physical discomfort. Kohli’s calculated acceleration dismantled the West Indies attack, highlighted by three consecutive boundaries off Joseph. The landmark 150-run stand between Gill and Kohli sealed the contest, and Kohli finished the chase in style, whipping and pulling sixes to bring India home with 50 balls to spare. Ruturaj Gaikwad played a supporting role after Gill’s dismissal, allowing Kohli to continue his assault and finish the match with authority.
The West Indies, despite Greaves’ century and some disciplined bowling early on, were unable to contain India’s batting might. Their attack lacked depth, especially with Greaves unavailable to field due to injury, leaving captain Shai Hope with limited options. Joseph provided the breakthrough by dismissing Rohit, but the rest of the bowlers struggled against the relentless strokeplay of Gill and Kohli. The dew factor also played a role, making it harder for the bowlers to grip the ball and maintain consistency.
India’s victory was not just clinical but also historic, with Kohli’s milestones adding weight to the triumph. Gill’s century reinforced his growing stature as captain and opener, while Kuldeep’s four-wicket haul ensured the West Indies were kept in check. The win highlighted India’s batting depth, their ability to chase down big totals with ease, and the enduring brilliance of Kohli in run-chases. With this victory, India set the tone for the remainder of the series, showcasing both dominance and composure. The eight-wicket win, achieved with plenty of overs to spare, was a statement of intent, and Kohli’s masterclass will be remembered as one of his finest ODI innings.
Brief Scores: West Indies 295/7 in 50 overs (Justin Greaves 101, John Campbell 62; Kuldeep Yadav 4-40, Prasidh Krishna 2-60) lost to India 300/2 in 41.4 overs (Virat Kohli 139 not out, Shubman Gill 110; Roston Chase 1-64, Alzarri Joseph 1-81) by eight wickets
