Thiruvananthapuram: India kicked off their three-match ODI series against the West Indies with a resounding 8-wicket victory, riding on magnificent centuries from skipper Shubman Gill and modern-day great Virat Kohli. Playing at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, India chased down a formidable target of 296 with absolute ease, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
The high-scoring encounter delivered immense entertainment for the local fans, witnessing a barrage of boundaries and three stellar centuries in a single day. Earlier, West Indies posted a competitive 295/7 in their 50 overs, largely powered by opening batter Justin Greaves, who struck his maiden ODI century.
Greaves and John Campbell launched an early assault on the Indian bowlers, registering a century opening stand—the first by a Caribbean duo in India in 24 years. Campbell scored an aggressive 62, but the turning point came when star spinner Kuldeep Yadav was introduced into the attack. Yadav broke the dangerous partnership and proceeded to dismantle the middle order, finishing with exceptional figures of 4/40 in his 10 overs. Despite the collapse at the other end, Greaves stood firm to score 101, while an explosive 58-run cameo by Amir Jangoo in the final overs helped the visitors post a strong total.
In reply, India began solidly with a 74-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma (32) and Shubman Gill. After Rohit’s dismissal, Gill took charge alongside Kohli. Continuing his rich vein of form, the Indian captain smashed his 10th ODI century, ultimately falling for a well-made 110 (13 fours, 1 six) after stitching a massive 151-run partnership with Kohli.
From there, it was the Virat Kohli show. The veteran batter was in a punishing mood, not only reaching his half-century with a six but also bringing up his incredible 55th ODI hundred in the same fashion, off just 74 balls. During this masterclass innings, Kohli also crossed the historic milestone of 15,000 ODI runs. He remained unbeaten on a staggering 139 off just 88 deliveries, studded with 10 boundaries and 9 towering sixes. Sealing the match with consecutive sixes, Kohli guided India home in just 41.4 overs, making it a truly memorable day for the Thiruvananthapuram crowd.