Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill produced stunning centuries as India began their three-match ODI series against the West Indies with a convincing eight-wicket win in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
Chasing 296, India reached 300/2 in just 41.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Kohli remained unbeaten on a sensational 139 off 88 balls, hitting 10 fours and nine sixes. Gill also played a brilliant knock, scoring 110 from 107 deliveries.
The pair added 150 runs for the second wicket and took the game away from the West Indies after India had made a solid start through Gill and Rohit Sharma.
Kohli’s 86th International Century
Kohli once again showed why he has been one of the biggest names in ODI cricket. The 37-year-old brought up his century in just 74 balls, sending Gudakesh Motie over mid-wicket for a huge six. The shot took him from 94 to 100 and sent the Greenfield International Stadium into celebration.
It was Kohli’s 55th ODI century and his 86th international hundred. He also became only the second batter in history to score 15,000 runs in ODI cricket, joining Sachin Tendulkar in the elite club.
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Kohli came into the match needing 59 runs to reach the landmark and completed it during another memorable ODI innings.
Gill Joins Kohli With Another Ton
Gill was equally impressive at the other end.
After India lost Rohit Sharma following a 75-run opening stand, Gill took control of the chase alongside Kohli. He brought up his half-century from 49 balls before accelerating further.
The India captain reached his next 50 runs in only 47 deliveries to complete his 10th ODI century.
Gill made the most of an early opportunity when substitute fielder Keemo Paul dropped him on 11. He went on to punish the West Indies attack with a range of shots, particularly through the off side.
His partnership with Kohli effectively ended the contest, with the duo adding 150 runs for the second wicket.
Gill eventually fell for 110 while attempting a slog sweep against Roston Chase, but by then India were comfortably in control.
Kuldeep Yadav Stops West Indies’ Charge
Earlier, the West Indies had made a strong start after being asked to bat first.
Justin Greaves scored his maiden ODI century, making 101, while John Campbell contributed 62. The opening pair added 135 runs in 19.2 overs and appeared to have put the visitors on course for a big total.
Kuldeep Yadav, however, changed the game with an excellent spell.
The left-arm wrist-spinner finished with figures of 4/40 and broke the West Indies’ momentum at crucial stages.
He first dismissed Campbell after the opener had raced to a half-century. Kuldeep then removed Shai Hope before taking two more wickets in quick succession to send Greaves and Jewel Andrew back to the pavilion.
The West Indies slipped from 176/1 to 198/5 as Kuldeep’s spell put India firmly back on top.
Jangoo Gives West Indies Late Push
Amir Jangoo provided some late resistance with an unbeaten 58.
He put together a 48-run partnership with Roston Chase before adding another 38 with Matthew Forde to help the West Indies move towards the 300-run mark.
Jangoo reached his half-century from just 38 balls and finished unbeaten as the visitors posted 295/7.
Greaves’ century and Jangoo’s late contribution gave the West Indies something to defend, but the total proved nowhere near enough once Kohli and Gill got going.
India Take Early Series Lead
Kohli’s unbeaten 139 and Gill’s 110 made the chase look comfortable for India.
The hosts completed the 296-run chase with 50 balls to spare and moved 1-0 ahead in the three-match ODI series.
With Kohli producing another record-breaking performance and Gill continuing his impressive run as captain, India made a commanding start to the series.
Brief scores
West Indies 295/7 in 50 overs (John Campbell 62, Justin Greaves 101; Kuldeep Yadav 4/40) lost to India 300/2 in 41.4 overs (Rohit Sharma 32, Shubman Gill 110, Virat Kohli 139 not out; Roston Chase 1/64) by 8 wickets.