India Vs West Indies India defeated West Indies by 5 wickets in the first match of the three-match ODI series. With this victory, India took a 1-0 lead in the ODI series. In the low-scoring match, India bowled out West Indies for 114 runs in just 23 overs, thanks to brilliant bowling performances by Kuldeep Yadav (6/4) and Ravindra Jadeja (37/3).
In response, India achieved the target of 115 runs in 22.5 overs with the help of Ishan Kishan’s half-century (52 runs off 46 balls, including seven fours and one six). Before this match, Indian captain Rohit Sharma had already revealed the team’s new strategy, which was executed brilliantly by Kuldeep and Jadeja.
Choosing to field first after winning the toss, Rohit Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav wrecked the West Indies batting lineup. The West Indies skipper, Shai Hope, top-scored with 43 runs. Apart from him, only Evin Lewis (22) managed to cross the 20-run mark. West Indies lost their last seven wickets for just 26 runs.
India Vs West Indies
Chasing the target, India sent Ishan Kishan to open with Shubman Gill. Gill (7) was dismissed in the fourth over when he was caught by Brandon King off Hayden Walsh Jr.’s delivery. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav then steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership. Suryakumar Yadav scored 19 runs before getting dismissed by Roston Chase.
Ishan Kishan continued his aggressive batting and completed his half-century in 44 balls. He was unlucky to get out on the very next ball after trying to play a big shot against Motie. After his dismissal, Shardul Thakur (1) and Hardik Pandya (5) also fell in quick succession.
India Vs West Indies
Ishan Kishan’s knock of 52 runs off 46 balls included two fours and four sixes. He got dismissed when he tried to hit Yannick Cariah for a big shot, but it ended up in the hands of Rovman Powell at deep midwicket. India needed 18 more runs at that point, and Rohit Sharma (12 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja (16 not out) calmly guided the team to the target.
In the bowling department, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja combined to pick up seven wickets for just 23 runs, demolishing the West Indies batting lineup. Kuldeep’s 6-wicket haul was instrumental in restricting the West Indies to a low total of 114 runs.
Overall, it was a clinical performance by the Indian team, and the new strategy implemented by captain Rohit Sharma paid off well, giving them a comfortable victory in the first ODI.
