The first ODI between West Indies and India saw a convincing victory for the visitors, as they defeated the hosts by a comfortable margin. India’s spin duo, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja wreaked havoc, accelerating West Indies’ collapse in a shocking display. With their last seven wickets falling for a mere 26 runs, the hosts were bowled out for a paltry 114 in just 23 overs.
In the chase, India experimented with their batting order, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opting not to come out in their usual positions. Despite losing half of their side on a pitch favouring spinners, Ishan Kishan’s impressive 52-run knock guided India to victory with 27.1 overs to spare.
The opening partnership between Kishan and Shubman Gill seemed steady until Gill was dismissed by Jayden Seales, with a low catch at second slip taken by Brandon King. Suryakumar Yadav played some attacking shots, but his dismissal after a well-compiled 40 runs brought in Hardik Pandya.
However, Pandya’s stay was short-lived as he was run out due to a deflection off Yannic Cariah’s hands.
Kishan’s aggressive batting kept India in the driver’s seat, with his powerful shots bringing him a well-deserved fifty. Although he survived a dropped catch, he eventually fell trying to play a heave off Motie. Shardul Thakur also departed quickly, leaving the captain, Rohit, and Jadeja to steer India towards victory, which they achieved without much trouble.
Earlier, West Indies struggled against the bounce provided by Pandya and debutant Mukesh Kumar, with Rovman Powell’s wicket falling early. A steadying partnership between Alick Athanaze and Brandon King provided some hope, but King’s dismissal triggered a collapse.
Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer attempted to rebuild, but Jadeja’s brilliant bowling efforts caused further damage to the West Indies batting order. Hope, trying to farm the strike with the tail, fell after an attempted reverse sweep, giving Kuldeep his fourth wicket.
Overall, it was a dominant performance by India, exposing the West Indies’ batting frailties. With the first ODI victory, India gains an early advantage in the three-match series. West Indies will have to regroup and strategize if they are to compete against a determined Indian side in the upcoming matches.
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