West Indies came up with a sterling batting performance to stun India in the first ODI of the three – match series. In a high scoring thriller at Chennai , West Indies powered their way to a 8 wicket win. Thus taking a 1-0 lead in the series .
Earlier West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard won the toss and asked India to bat first. India posted a competitive target of 287/ 8 in their 50 overs. Rohit Sharma ( 36), Shreyas Iyer (70 ), Rishabh Pant , badly in search of form scored a much needed (71), Kedar Jadhav ( 40) were the main scorers. There was rare failures from Skipper Virat Kohli ( 4) and K L Rahul ( 6).
For the West Indies, the pick of the bowlers were, Sheldon Cottrell 2/46 (10 overs), Keemo Paul 2/ 40 ( 7 overs), Alzarri Joseph 2/ 45 ( 9 overs), Kieron Pollard 1/ 28 ( 4 overs) Jason Holder 1/ 45 ( 8 overs).
India thought they had runs on the board to defend but West Indies had other plans. They came up with a fine show. Though they lost opener Sunil Ambris early for ( 9 ), they hadly looked rattled. Opener Shai Hope smashed a fine unbeaten 102 off 151 balls with 7 fours and 1 six and along with another centurion Shimron Hetmyer ( 139 ) off 106 balls a powerful innings, studded with 11 fours and 7 sixes helped West Indies get back into the match and virtually dashed India’s hopes of a win. They put on a fine 218 run- stand. Hetmyer fell at the total of 229. Nicholas Pooran unbeaten on (29) off 23 balls along with Hope saw the West Indies home by 8 wickets to spare. They reached 291/ 2 in 47. 5 overs.
For India, Deepak Chahar 1/ 48 (10 overs), Mohammed Shami 1/ 57 ( 9 overs) were the only wicket- takers. The rest did not click at all. It was poor outing as far bowlers were concerned. Kuldeep Yadav 0/45 ( 10 overs), Shivam Dube 0/ 68 (7.5 overs), Ravindra Jadeja 0/58 (10 overs).
Both sides now head to Visakhapatnam ,December 18th for the 2nd ODI. The final ODI will be played in Odisha , Cuttack on December 22.
