India began their three-match ODI series against the West Indies with a convincing eight-wicket victory in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 139 and Shubman Gill made 110 as India chased down 296 in just 41.4 overs.
Kohli Reaches 15,000 ODI Runs
Kohli produced a landmark performance, reaching 15,000 ODI runs during his innings. He became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach the milestone in men’s ODI cricket.
The 37-year-old reached the landmark in his 303rd ODI innings, while Tendulkar took 377 innings to reach 15,000 runs.
Record-Extending 55th ODI Century
Kohli continued his outstanding innings and brought up his 55th ODI century with a six. His hundred came from 74 balls, and he eventually finished unbeaten on 139 from 88 deliveries.
His innings included 10 fours and nine sixes, with the final six also completing India’s successful chase.
Kohli remains the leading century-maker in men’s ODI cricket, with Sachin Tendulkar next on 49 centuries.
Shubman Gill Hits 10th ODI Century
India captain Shubman Gill also produced a century during the successful chase.
Gill scored 110 and shared a 151-run partnership with Kohli for the second wicket. His 10th ODI hundred helped India maintain control of the chase after Rohit Sharma’s brisk 32 ended the opening partnership.
West Indies Post 295
Earlier, West Indies posted 295 for seven after being put into bat.
Justin Greaves produced an impressive maiden ODI century, scoring 101, while John Campbell contributed 62. The pair put together a 135-run opening partnership to give West Indies a strong platform.
Amir Jangoo remained unbeaten on 58, helping West Indies reach a competitive total.
India’s bowling attack fought back strongly during the middle overs, led by Kuldeep Yadav.
The left-arm wrist-spinner finished with figures of 4-40 from his 10 overs. He also struck on successive deliveries to dismiss Greaves and Jewel Andrew, putting India back in control.
Despite the centuries from Kohli and Gill, Kuldeep was named Player of the Match for his influential bowling performance.
India Complete Comfortable Chase
India reached 300 for two in 41.4 overs, winning the match by eight wickets with 50 balls remaining. Kohli remained unbeaten alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad as India secured a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The second ODI will be played in Guwahati on September 30.
India will enter the match with a 1-0 series lead, while West Indies will look to bounce back and level the series.