IND vs WI 1st ODI Match Highlights: Indian players kept their nerves in the series opener on Friday to claim a 3-run victory over West Indies at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.
The high-scoring 300-plus game from both ends saw many good knocks from teams but at last, it was the visitors who grabbed the victory to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.
IND vs WI 1st ODI Match Highlights
Earlier, West Indies invited India to bat first, however, their decision to choose bowling turned out to be dreary as Indian openers started the innings in a T20 way, and during their partnership not only a single time it looked as if they are uncomfortable as they were playing with superb ease.
The new opening pair for India of Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill did an outstanding job and added 119 runs for the first wicket in just 17.4 overs before Gill walked back into the pavilion after witnessing run out.
Shreyas Iyer, who was promoted to bat at no.3 to find his form, also did an excellent job and took his team’s total further alongside Shikhar Dhawan as they both did 94 runs partnership for the second wicket.
The skipper Dhawan looked flawless all throughout his innings when on 91 he smashed a brilliant six, but it was Gudakesh Motie who had the last laugh as he dismissed Dhawan on the very next ball.
Dhawan walked back into the pavilion after playing a 97-run knock in 99 deliveries with the help of 10 four and 3 maximums.
Soon after Dhawan’s departure, Iyer too returned back after scoring 54.
India at that stage was 230 for 3 in 36 overs and a 350 mark was visible considering the batting strength of the Indian side, but none of the other batters stayed on the crease for long and played only small cameos as a result the visitors only managed to post 308 on board in their 50-over quota.
IND vs WI: West Indies to chase 309 in 50 overs
In reply, West Indies lost their first wicket early, but Kyle Mayers and Shamarh Brooks steadied their innings with a 117-run partnership for the second wicket. When things were looking in control for the hosts they lost both their set batters in the span of just 5 runs.
Skipper Nicholas Pooran once again failed to help his side reach the winning circle as he got out on 25. However, Akeal Hosein (39* off 32) and Romario Shepherd (39* off 25) tried their level best to help West Indies reach the finish line but they fell 3 runs short as the visitors claim victory by 3 runs.
Man of the Match– Shikhar Dhawan
