WI vs IND: 1ST ODI Review – India win thriller to open their account
A nail-biting final-over thriller saw the Indian side emerging victorious by just three runs against hosts West Indies in the first ODI of the three-match series. Shai Hope perished early in the run chase of 309, while Kyle Mayers (75) and Shamarh Brooks (46) got the innings going with an excellent partnership.
However, the duo was removed before the 26th over before the likes of Brandon King (54) and Nicholas Pooran (25) took over the baton. Akeal Hosein(32*) and Romario Shepherd (39*) provided the real scare towards the end against the Indian bowlers and almost plucked a victory. However, their efforts went in vain as the visitors just managed to cross the line.
Earlier, India were put into bat first by West Indies Nicholas Pooran, who won the toss. The opening pair of Shubman Gill (64) and Shikhar Dhawan (97) put on a brilliant show at the top. Once Gill was dismissed, Dhawan continued the assault while Shreyas Iyer provided good support with a half-century. While the middle order crumbled, some lusty blows from Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel took the total to 308 in 50 overs.
Top Performers of the game
Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan looked in terrific touch throughout his innings and was unfortunate to miss out on a century by just three runs. He was quite calculative while taking risks and led from the front with the top score for India. The left hander hit 10 fours and three sixes in his superlative innings and walked away with the Player-of-the-Match award too.
Kyle Mayers
Kyle Mayers is turning out to become a destructive opener at the top of the order for West Indies with his ability to put pressure on the bowlers. He wasn’t afraid to take on the new-ball Indian bowlers and provided the perfect start with a 75-run knock. His innings comprised of 10 fours and a six and he will be looking to continue the good form.
What next for the two teams
India have taken a 1-0 lead in the series as the second ODI is scheduled to take place on July 24 at the same venue of Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.
