Kuldeep Turns the Game Around

Greaves and Campbell made India work hard during the first half of the West Indies innings. Greaves looked particularly impressive against the new ball and struck several boundaries with powerful drives. India also tried different bowling options. Even debutant Naman Dhir was given a chance with the ball. But Kuldeep provided the breakthrough India badly needed. Campbell had already attacked Ravindra Jadeja during the powerplay. Against Kuldeep, however, he misjudged a sweep and gave a low catch to short fine leg. Kuldeep then tightened the pressure with Jadeja. Prasidh Krishna removed Keacy Carty in the 31st over as the West Indies struggled to maintain their scoring rate. Kuldeep produced one of his strongest recent spells during this crucial period. Shai Hope attempted to increase the tempo by charging down the pitch, but Kuldeep beat him in the flight. Hope sliced the ball towards point. Greaves then became Kuldeep’s fourth victim. The opener had battled cramps for much of his innings and had watched the scoring rate fall. After reaching his maiden hundred, he tried to attack Kuldeep. Greaves attempted two reverse sweeps without success before going for a conventional sweep. The ball struck him in front, but the umpire initially rejected the appeal. India reviewed the decision, and the replay showed that Kuldeep had bowled the perfect delivery. The ball pitched on the right line, moved slightly and was projected to hit the top of off stump. Kuldeep finished with 4 for 40 and helped trigger a collapse of four wickets for just 22 runs. The West Indies had fallen from 176/1 to 198/5. His latest performance also added to an impressive career record. Kuldeep reached 198 ODI wickets at an average of one wicket every 31.6 balls, which placed him third among spinners with more than 175 wickets.

Amir Jangoo Gives West Indies Hope

The West Indies appeared capable of collapsing quickly after reaching 198/5 in the 36th over. Amir Jangoo had other ideas. He played an aggressive innings of 58 from only 43 balls. His knock helped the West Indies reach a total of 295 and gave their bowlers something to defend. In the end, however, Jangoo’s runs proved to be enough for India’s two star batters to produce match-winning centuries.

Kohli Reaches Another Milestone

Virat Kohli once again dominated an ODI chase. He went past 15,000 runs during his innings and scored his 55th ODI century. The century also took Kohli level with Sachin Tendulkar for 60 List A hundreds. His total number of international hundreds moved to 86. Kohli also showed that he continues to add new dimensions to his batting. He began aggressively, hitting Alzarri Joseph for a six. For the first time in his ODI career, Kohli reached a century by hitting a six. He also smashed nine sixes, his highest number in an ODI innings at this stage of his career. His battle with Joseph was particularly one-sided. Joseph had enjoyed success against Rohit Sharma earlier and appeared keen to continue his good record against India’s senior batters. Kohli, however, attacked him without hesitation. He scored 53 runs from just 26 balls against Joseph, including three sixes.

Gill Completes His 10th ODI Hundred

Shubman Gill also continued his excellent form. The Indian captain reached his 10th ODI century in only his 67th innings. That made him the third-fastest player to reach the milestone. His tally across international cricket also moved to 22 centuries. Gill has been remarkably consistent this year. He has scored at least 50 runs in seven of his nine innings. He was given a major reprieve early in the chase when Keemo Paul dropped him at short point on 11. The West Indies also failed to create enough pressure with the ball, allowing Gill to settle into his innings. For long periods, Gill simply accumulated runs. At times, though, he matched Kohli’s aggression. One such moment came when he hit Gudakesh Motie for an inside-out six.

India Complete the Chase

India’s chase became increasingly comfortable as Kohli and Gill took control. Gill maintained the scoring rate while Kohli kept increasing the pressure on the West Indies bowlers. Kohli looked determined to attack rather than simply guide India towards victory. India eventually reached the target in only 41.4 overs.

Brief Scorecard