IND vs WI: Parthiv Patel Hails India's Top Order For Scoring Runs In 1st ODI

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel hailed India’s top order for a quality batting display in the first ODI against West Indies.

India eked out West Indies by three runs in a last-ball thriller in the first ODI match. India’s top order comprising Shikhar Dhawan (97), Shubman Gill (64) and Shreyas Iyer (54) set the tone for a big total of 308/7.

Half-centuries by Kyle Mayers (75) and Brandon King (54) didn’t do enough for the hosts before lower middle order batters Akeal Hosein (32*) and Romario Shepherd (39*) led a fashionable fightback but fell three runs short of the finishing line.

Shreyas Iyer came back in form: Parthiv Patel

Parthiv said Shubman Gill justified his selection in the team with a brisk half-century. The former Indian player was effusive on praise for Shreyas Iyer for coming out of the rough patch.

“Shikhar Dhawan played a captain’s knock. He was very well supported by Shubman Gill; he was chosen ahead of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan, and he played a brilliant knock.

“Usually, when Shikhar Dhawan plays with Rohit Sharma, Rohit takes his time and Shikhar goes out attacking. But today, Shubman played an attacking role with Dhawan playing as an anchor,” Parthiv said on Cricbuzz.

“Shreyas also came back in form, sort of. He didn’t get as many runs as was expected out of him during the IPL and the England tour. But here, he got a fifty. And surprise, surprise, India’s top-3 got the fifties. Usually, we talk about India’s top-3 not getting runs,” he added.

India likely to create a World record in the second match

India will play against West Indies in the second ODI on Sunday (July 24) at the Queen’s Park Oval. If India manages to beat Nicholas Pooran and his men here then they create a history of winning consecutive bilateral series against a single opponent.

India have defeated West Indies in 11 straight ODI bilateral series only Pakistan has the same record against Zimbabwe.

Also Read: IND vs WI: Should Have Scored A Lot More Runs- Salman Butt On Team India’s Batting Effort In The First ODI Against The West Indies