The first of three one-day internationals between India and the West Indies was staged on Sunday at Ahmedabad's iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. As expected, India won the opening match with ease. The West Indian batters struggled against Indian spinners, as they were knocked out for less than 200 runs. India lost a few wickets in the chase but yet managed to achieve the winning target with plenty of overs to spare. The host has taken a 1-0 lead in the series with this win. The first ODI report between India and West Indies is discussed in this article.
India vs West Indies ODI Series 2022: First Match Report
India's new limited-overs captain, Rohit Sharma chose to bat first in order to restrict the West Indies to a low score. The Indian spinners responded well and put the West Indian batters under a great deal of pressure in the middle. West Indies were bowled out for 176 runs in 43.5 overs. India reached the target in just 28 overs, losing only four wickets.
West Indies Innings
The most dependable opener of the Windies, Shai Hope was dismissed in the third over. Pacer Mohammad Siraj bowled Hope with a superb seam delivery. After that, Brandon King and Darren Bravo tried to build innings with a more cautious approach. However, their efforts were short-lived, as King was dismissed in the 12th over by Washington Sundar.
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After King's departure, India seized complete control of the West Indies, who were 44/2 at the time. The Caribbean team lost five more wickets in the following 11 overs, and they were reduced to 79/7 in 23 overs at one stage. Yuzvendra Chahal decimated the Windies' middle order, removing three of their most important batters at a crucial stage in the innings.
The Indian team had hoped to bowl the Windies out for less than 100 runs, but a 78-run partnership between Jason Holder and Fabien Allen helped the visitors reach the 150-run mark. Washington Sundar broke the partnership in the 38th over by taking Fabian Allen's wicket. West Indies eventually lost all of their wickets for 176 with 37 balls to spare. For the Windies, Jason Holder scored the most runs with 57.
Yuzvendra Chahal took the most wickets for India, with four for 49 runs, while Washington Sundar took three wickets.
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India Innings
Openers of IPL franchise Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma, and Ishan Kishan started India's innings in pursuit of West Indies' 176. They gave India a superb foundation by putting up 84 runs stand between them in only 13.1 overs.
Pacer Alzarri Joseph picked up Rohit Sharma in the 14th over, giving the visitors their first breakthrough. Afterward, India's innings began to crumble, with Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan, and Rishab Pant all departing in the following four overs. India were reduced to 116/4 in 17.3 overs.
However, India had no trouble reaching the target. They achieved the victory with 22 overs to spare thanks to an undefeated 62*-run partnership between Suryakumar Yadav (34*) and Deepak Hoda (26*). India's captain, Rohit Sharma made the most runs with 60. Alzarri Joseph took the highest two wickets for the West Indies. The second match of the series will take place on February 9 (Wednesday) at the same venue.
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Player of the Match
India's spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal was chosen player of the match for his devastating bowling performance. India were able to restrict the West Indies to a modest total thanks to Chahal's outstanding spin bowling.
Aftermath
The West Indian batters must discover their weaknesses while facing slower bowlers. Indian spinners will continue to make life difficult for Caribbean batters in this series. On the other hand, the Indian team management is looking for more consistent performances from its inexperienced players.
This three-match One-Day IND v WI International series is part of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League. The men's team from England now leads the points standings with 95, followed by Bangladesh (80) and Ireland (68). The Super League's top eight teams, including host India, will automatically qualify for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Therefore, this series is crucial for the West Indian team. They are presently in eighth place with 50 points. The West Indies will want to make a big recovery in the next match to hold their grip on the series, while India will look to maintain their momentum in the final two fixtures.