IND vs WI: 1st T20I Review – Kohli, Rahul clinch victory in high-octane battle
Riding on a Virat Kohli masterpiece and a spectacular knock from KL Rahul, India made light work of the 208-run target at the Rajiv Gandhi international stadium, Hyderabad. The home side has now taken 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against West Indies. Despite the Caribbean side putting up a tall total, Indian side completed the chase with eight balls remaining. Kohli won the player of the match award for his enchanting and furious 94 not out.
Check out the full scorecard here
Lewis sets the stage
Inserted to bat first, West Indies batsmen had no hesitation in going after the Indian bowlers. Opener Evin Lewis smacked Washington Sundar for a four and a six in the first over itself to open the run gates. He then took on Deepak Chahar as number three Brandon King also joined the fun. By the time Sundar got the better of Lewis, he had scored 40 from just 17 balls.
Pollard, Hetmyer make India pay
Shimron Hetmyer mixed big hits with caution as he ensured no loss of momentum in the Windies innings. Captain Kieron Pollard batted in a higher gear. His most spectacular performance came in Yuzvendra Chahal’s over where he managed two consecutive sixes. One of the sixes offered a chance to Rohit Sharma but it proved to a fleeting one. India did not field at their best and it reflected on the scoreboard. West Indies finished with 207/5 in their 20 overs.
Rahul keeps India in the hunt
The Indian openers seemed to struggle in the first over but Rahul set the tone by carting Jason Holder for three boundaries in the second over. Just as Rohit Sharma showed signs of domination with three consecutive fours, Khary Pierre got the better of him. Kohli then joined Rahul at the crease. Rahul played the lead role in this partnership while Kohli was still finding his feet. As the opener returned for a brilliant 62 off 40 balls, India still needed 75 runs from 39 balls.
Kohli steals the show
After Rahul’s dismissal, Kohli took the mantle and unleashed the inner chase master which we have been in awe of for years. Pant once again fell after cameo of 18 from 9 balls. However, he had already been a part of the game-changing over. Kesrick Williams conceded 23 runs in the 16th over which saw India rush ahead as favourites. Sealing the game in the penultimate over, Kohli showed his class with 16 runs in the Williams’ over. He finished with 94 not out from 50 balls in the game where tempers flared up quite often. Kohli signed off the game with a roar and left us with magical shots which shall be devoured again and again.
