India made a great start to their three-match ODI series against West Indies, recording an eight-wicket win in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill both hit centuries with the bat as India chased down West Indies’ 295 for seven with ease.
West Indies had earlier posted a decent 295 for seven after being put in.
However, India’s solid batting ensured there were no issues reaching the target with half an hour to spare in the match.
West Indies Build Strong Opening Partnership
West Indies got off to a strong start as John Campbell and Justin Greaves settled down at the crease.
The opening pair made a powerful attack on the Indian bowling and laid down a strong foundation for West Indies.
Campbell And Greaves Put India Under Pressure
John Campbell continued his good form at the top of the order with an impressive 62 from 60 deliveries.
He looked in fine touch against the Indian attack before Kuldeep Yadav gave India the much-needed breakthrough.
Justin Greaves followed this up with a fine innings and reached his maiden ODI century.
The left-hander scored 101 before his excellent knock came to an end, having played a key role in helping West Indies post a competitive total.
Kuldeep Yadav Leads India’s Bowling Attack
Kuldeep Yadav emerged as India’s main bowler during the middle overs.
He finished with four wickets from his 10 overs and played a crucial role in West Indies not managing to finish with a higher score.
Amir Jangoo added a handy score at the end of the innings and remained unbeaten on 58 as West Indies closed on 295 for seven.
India Respond With Powerful Batting Display
India made a great start to their reply to West Indies’ 295 for seven.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put together a partnership worth 74 for the opening wicket before Rohit was dismissed, with Virat Kohli at the other end.
Kohli and Gill were soon in complete control of the innings and took charge of the chase.
The duo put together a 151-run second-wicket stand as the momentum in the match completely switched to India’s favour.
Shubman Gill Completes Another ODI Century
Shubman Gill continued his attacking strokeplay and managed to reach another ODI century during an excellent innings.
Gill hit 11 fours and a six during his 108-ball 110 before eventually falling, with India only 63 runs away from victory.
Virat Kohli Reaches 15,000 ODI Runs
Virat Kohli continued his brilliant innings after Gill’s dismissal and remained unbeaten at 139.
His strike-rich knock of 10 fours and nine sixes saw India finish the innings in comfortable fashion.
The century was Kohli’s 55th ODI and also saw him reach the second spot in the history of men’s ODI batting to register 15,000 runs, joining greats like Sachin Tendulkar.
India Take 1-0 Lead In The ODI Series
Ruturaj Gaikwad remained unbeaten on 13 as India finished on 300 for two in 41.4 overs, recording an eight-wicket win.
India will head into the second ODI on Sunday on a high after recording a one-nil lead in the three-match series.
West Indies will look to recover from their early deficit, with both teams ready to battle it out in Guwahati on September 30.