WI vs IND | 1st ODI | India secure a thrilling victory to take a lead in the series

Team India won a nail-biting contest against the West Indies by 3 runs, and took a 1-0 lead in the series.

India’s Top 3 provide a strong platform

 The Indian openers Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill were flawless with their starts to accumulate 29 runs in the first three overs. They further steered the team at a hefty rate. 

Gill was eventually dismissed for a well compiled 64, courtesy of a Nicholas Pooran direct hit.

Dhawan continued the good work, and laid a strong foundation for the middle order batters.

Caribbean bowlers produce strong fightback  

Three runs shy of a brilliant hundred, Dhawan was sent back to the pavilion by Gudakesh Motie.

Suryakumar Yadav (13) and Sanju Samson (12) could not contribute much in the middle-order. The visitors were reduced from 213/1 to 253/5 in a span of 10 overs. 

However, the contributions of Deepak Hooda (27) and Axar Patel (21) helped India to post a total of 308 on the board. 

West Indies start the chase on a strong note 

Chasing a big total, West Indies lost Shai Hope early, but Mayers and Brooks steadied the ship for the home side. The duo kept on scoring runs at a brisk pace and were well on their course for a win.

Shardul Thakur again emerges as the partnership-breaker

Shardul Thakur provided double blow in the form of Mayers (75) and Brooks (46) and brought the Indian side back in the contest.

Although Romario Shepherd (39*)  and Akeal Hosein (33*)  showed a good fight, India prevailed by three runs in a nail-biting fixture.

Brief Scores:

India- 308/7 (50 overs)

Shikhar Dhawan 97, Shubman Gill 64; 

Gudakesh Motie 2/54

West Indies- 305/6 (50 overs)

Kyle Mayers 75, Brandon King 54; 

Shardul Thakur 2/54

Result: India won by 3 runs

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