India produced a commanding performance in the first ODI against West Indies, defeating the visitors by eight wickets at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. The victory gave India a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
West Indies, after being asked to bat first, posted a competitive 295 for seven in their 50 overs. Justin Greaves led the way with an impressive 101 from 108 balls, while John Campbell contributed 62. The visitors appeared capable of setting a larger target, but India’s bowlers fought back strongly in the middle overs.
Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler for India, claiming four wickets for 40 runs in his 10 overs. His spell prevented West Indies from accelerating in the final stages and helped restrict them to 295.
India’s chase was dominated by two outstanding centuries. Captain Shubman Gill scored a brilliant 110 from 108 deliveries, while Virat Kohli produced a spectacular unbeaten 139 off just 88 balls. Kohli’s innings included 10 fours and nine sixes and was his 55th ODI century. During the innings, he also crossed the milestone of 15,000 ODI runs.
Gill and Kohli added 151 runs for the second wicket, putting India firmly in control. After Gill was dismissed, Kohli remained at the crease and guided the team home alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad.
India eventually reached 300 for two in just 41.4 overs, completing a comfortable eight-wicket victory. The result highlighted India’s batting depth and the effectiveness of its bowling attack, with Kuldeep’s four-wicket haul and the centuries from Gill and Kohli forming the key moments of the match.
With India leading 1–0, attention now turns to the second ODI, where West Indies will look to level the series and India will aim to build on its strong start.