THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Sept 27: India opened their three match ODI series against the West Indies with a commanding eight-wicket victory at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday, with centuries from Virat Kohli and captain Shubman Gill providing the foundation for a successful chase.
Set a target of 296 after the West Indies posted 295 for seven, India reached 300 for two in 41.4 overs. Kohli remained unbeaten on 139 from 88 balls, while Gill contributed 110 from 108 deliveries as the pair combined for a decisive second-wicket partnership.
The result gave India a 1-0 lead in the series and underlined the effectiveness of their batting approach in the opening match. Kohli’s innings was particularly significant as he registered his 55th ODI century and crossed the 15,000-run mark in the format. His unbeaten knock included 10 fours and nine sixes and came at a rapid scoring rate after he had initially settled into the innings.
Gill also produced a controlled century, striking 13 fours and a six during his stay at the crease. The India captain helped establish the platform for the chase after the early dismissal of Rohit Sharma, who made 32 from 35 balls.
India began their pursuit positively, with Rohit and Gill putting together a 74-run opening stand. After Rohit was dismissed, Gill joined Kohli and the two batters took control of the chase. Their partnership of around 150 runs effectively removed any uncertainty surrounding the result.
Gill eventually departed after making 110, but Kohli continued his assault and ensured India completed the chase with considerable time remaining. Ruturaj Gaikwad stayed with him at the end as India crossed the target without further damage.
The West Indies had earlier put together a competitive total after being asked to bat. Justin Greaves was the principal contributor, scoring 101 to register his maiden ODI century. John Campbell added 62, while Amir Jangoo remained unbeaten on 58 to help the visitors recover and finish with 295 for seven.
The innings initially appeared to be developing into a substantial total for the West Indies. Campbell and Greaves provided momentum at the top before India’s bowlers began to make inroads into the middle order.
Kuldeep Yadav emerged as India’s most successful bowler, taking four wickets for 40 runs. His spell restricted the West Indies during a crucial phase of their innings and prevented the visitors from converting their strong start into an even larger total.
The West Indies reached 176 for one before losing wickets in quick succession. Kuldeep’s intervention played a key role in that period, as India’s bowling unit regained control and limited the scoring rate.
Despite Greaves completing his century and Jangoo contributing a useful unbeaten half-century, the West Indies finished with a total that proved insufficient on a good batting surface.
India’s response was then dominated by Gill and Kohli. The opening partnership between Rohit and Gill gave the chase early momentum, while Kohli accelerated after getting settled.
Gill’s hundred was his 10th in ODI cricket. His innings combined patience with controlled stroke play, allowing India to maintain a strong scoring rate without taking excessive risks.
Kohli, meanwhile, continued to add to his remarkable ODI record. His 139 not out was built around a mixture of conventional boundary strokes and aggressive hitting, particularly during the latter stages of the chase. He reached his century in 74 balls and then increased the tempo further.
The former India captain’s performance also provided another notable landmark in his long ODI career, as his 55th hundred extended his record for centuries in the format. His ability to finish the chase unbeaten meant India required only two wickets to complete the victory.
The opening ODI also offered India useful contributions across departments. Kuldeep’s four-wicket haul ensured the West Indies were unable to fully exploit their strong beginning, while the top order made the chase considerably easier.
For the visitors, Greaves’ maiden hundred was one of the major positives despite the eventual defeat. His innings demonstrated the West Indies’ ability to build a competitive score, although the middle-order collapse left the side short of the total it needed.
The result places India ahead in the three-match series with two matches still to come. The West Indies will now have to regroup for the next game, while India will look to build on the momentum created by their comprehensive opening victory.
The match also brought together two generations of India’s batting leadership, with Gill anchoring the chase and Kohli producing the finishing display. Their partnership was the defining phase of the contest and ensured that the home side completed a target of 296 with 50 balls remaining.
India’s eight-wicket win therefore combined a disciplined bowling effort with a dominant batting performance. With the series now standing at 1-0, attention will turn to the next ODI as both sides prepare for the continuation of the three-match contest.