India won by 6 wickets and went up 1-0 in the 3-match ODI series against The West Indies on thursday, Courtesy- A Blistering knock from Virat Kohli 86 (84b, 9*4, 2*6) and a well composed innings from Rohit Sharma 72(81, 8*4, 1*6). While Kohli showed once more, how a classy player he is, Rohit continued from where he left against Australia in the 7-match ODI series. Kohli’s innings had a blend of some impeccable timing and brilliant strokeplay. During his innings of 86, Kohli reached the 5000 run mark in ODI career and became the joint fastest to reach the landmark, equalling the record of Sir Viv Richards.
“ When we were fielding, I sort of figured out that I have to play with a straight bat. I was timing it very well and once I gained the confidence, I just carried on,” said Kohli during the Presentation ceremony
Gayle Fails
Earlier, West Indies won the Toss and elected to Bat. Bhuvaneshwar kumar struck in the very first over with his sensible fielding, when Gayle dropped one on the off side. Kumar set off from his follow through, got the ball and threw it at the stumps, direct at the non-strikers end. Marlon Samuels and Johnson Charles took left-arm medium pacer Unadkat to the cleaners and then clobbered Bhuvaneshwar Kumar for 3 boundaries. Just when it seemed like the West Indies were getting a partnership going between Charles and Samuels, Jadeja gave the breakthrough in his first over with a stunning catch diving to his left, dismissing Charles and ending his 65-run association with Samuels. Later Darren Bravo and Lendl Simmons added 65 runs fourth wicket.
Surprising Dhoni
When Dhoni played Jadeja in the 11th over of the innings, it was expected that Ashwin would bowl soon. But it was a surprising decision from the Skipper to give the ball to Suresh Raina. The Part-timer bowled a few economic spells and saw a career best of 3 for 34 of 10 overs he bowled which included a maiden. The West Indies batting succumbed to the Indian spin attack losing all its wickets for 211 runs. Darren Bravo top scored for the windies with 59.
Virat Kohli was awarded the Man of the Match for his brilliant innings of 86.
The two teams will travel to Vizag for the 2nd ODI on Sunday.
