Team India started off the ODI series against West Indies on a flying note. The first match was a last-ball thriller and India managed to sneak away with a victory by 3 runs. Captain Shikhar Dhawan (97), who played a crucial knock, was awarded the Man of the Match.
After winning the toss, West Indies chose to bowl. India got a stunning start from its openers Dhawan and Shubman Gill (64). They made a partnership of 119 runs for the first wicket. After completing his half-century, Gill got run-out. But Dhawan got good support from the next batter Shreyas Iyer (54). They made a partnership of 94 runs for the second wicket. That’s when Dhawan got out in his nineties. After that, wickets started falling at regular intervals. As a result, India managed to score 308/7 in 50 overs.
West Indies started off the chase on a good note. Though opener Shai Hope got out early, Kyle Myers (75) and Shamarh Brooks (46) steadied the chase with a partnership of 117 runs. Once their partnership was broken, things started becoming difficult for the Windies. Brandon King (54) kept the chase interesting. Once he got out, Romario Shepherd (39*) took charge in the death overs.
The Windies needed 4 runs on the last ball. That’s when Siraj bowled a yorker and saved the match for India. The second ODI will be held on July 24.
