India vs Windies 2018, 1st ODI, Guwahati - Match Review

The Windies were able to put a competitive target of 323 after Indian skipper Virat Kohli asked them to bat first. However, India didn’t have any issues in cruising to the target as they won by eight wickets and 47 balls to spare. Indian captain Virat Kohli scored his 36th ODI hundred whereas his deputy Rohit Sharma scored his 20th ODI century.

The right-handed pair batted with ease as the Windies bowling posed no threat to India’s two best batsmen. Virat Kohli was the aggressor in the beginning as the Indian captain scored his runs with utmost ease. Kohli scored 21 fours and 2 sixes in his blistering knock of 140 run off just 107 balls. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma took a backseat as runs came thick and fast for the hosts.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli put on an exhibition of fine stroke making as they picked their gaps. Furthermore, both the batsmen were able to easily toy with the Windies bowlers. The right-handed pair put together a gargantuan partnership of 246 runs which is the highest alliance for India while batting second.

Rohit Sharma changed gears after settling and raised his strike rate in the final overs of the game. Meanwhile, Windies debutant Thomas Oshane bowled his heart out as he impressed with the brisk pace.

It was a batting paradise at Guwahati and batsmen from both the teams enjoyed their time out in the middle. As expected the bowlers had a tough day at work. However, Shikhar Dhawan missed out as he scored only four runs after edging the ball back onto the stumps.

Meanwhile, Shimron Hetmyer was instrumental in getting his team to a score of 322. The southpaw batsman scored his third century as he timed the ball to perfection. Kieran Powell also scored a fine fifty to give a quick start to his side. It was a run-fest in Guwahati as no team was even able to bowl a maiden over.

The second ODI will take place on 24th October at Visakhapatnam.

Brief Scores:

Windies: 322-8, Shimron Hetmyer: 106 (78),

India: 323-2, Rohit Sharma 152 (117), Virat Kohli 140 (107).

India won by eight wickets.