Masterclass in Thiruvananthapuram: Unbeaten Kohli and Centurion Gill Blow Away West Indies to Take 1-0 Lead

Thiruvananthapuram: A sensational, record-breaking century from Virat Kohli and a fluent ton by skipper Shubman Gill powered India to a dominant eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first One-Day International at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday. Chasing a target of 296, India made light work of the task, overhauling the total with 50 balls to spare to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

Kohli produced a masterclass in aggressive run-chasing, smashing an unbeaten 139 off just 88 balls. His blistering knock featured ten boundaries and nine sixes—the most maximums he has hit in a single ODI innings. During the course of his 55th ODI hundred, Kohli became the fastest men's batter and only the second player after Sachin Tendulkar to cross the 15,000-run milestone in ODI cricket.

Earlier in the day, Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket haul helped restrict the West Indies to 295/7 despite a fine century from Justin Greaves.

Rohit and Gill Lay Early Foundations

India's chase got off to a flyer as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put together a rapid 74-run opening stand. Rohit set the tone early by driving Jayden Seales for four off the first ball of the innings and subsequently pulling Matthew Forde and Alzarri Joseph for towering sixes.

Gill survived a couple of early reprieves—including a dropped chance at cover-point on 11—before finding his groove. The Indian captain launched Gudakesh Motie over cover for six and took three boundaries off an over from Joseph to steer India to 70/0 at the end of the powerplay.

Joseph finally provided the breakthrough for the visitors in the 12th over, getting Rohit caught at deep square leg for 32.

Record-Breaking Stand Decimates West Indies Attack

Rohit's departure brought Kohli to the crease, and what followed was an absolute assault on the West Indian bowling unit. Gill brought up his half-century off 49 balls, while Kohli signaled his intentions early with a pull over the keeper’s head for six.

Despite battling cramps, Gill continued to attack, driving Jayden Seales past mid-on to complete a sublime 108-ball 110. The duo shared a match-winning 151-run partnership for the second wicket, taking full advantage of a West Indian side hampered by the absence of Justin Greaves, who was off the field with shin cramps.

Key milestones achieved during the chase:

• Fastest to 15,000 ODI Runs: Virat Kohli became the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach 15,000 ODI runs.
• Personal Best: Kohli hit nine sixes, his highest in an individual ODI innings.
• Third-Fastest Ton: Kohli reached his 55th ODI hundred off just 74 deliveries.
• Global Record: One of six ODI centuries scored worldwide on Sunday—the first such instance in international cricket history.

Kohli Finishes the Job in Style

Gill eventually fell for 110 after slog-sweeping Roston Chase to deep midwicket. However, with Ruturaj Gaikwad playing a calm supporting role at the other end, Kohli shifted into overdrive.

He danced down the track to loft Motie over long-on to bring up his hundred off 74 balls. After being dropped on 125, Kohli capped off his masterpiece by pulling Keacy Carty over deep backward square leg for six, before wrapping up the match with another pulled maximum over fine leg in the 42nd over.