The first match for this wonderful ODI series led by two of the finest players of their respective nations started a friendly tackle yesterday on July 22. India was allowed to bat first after the Windies chose to field.
West Indies, unlike their batting performance, failed to leave any positive remark on their bowling as India smashed more than 300 runs in a very easy way. Alzarri Joseph who has a good experience of the Indian Premier League managed to bowl with an economy of 6.1 by taking 2 wickets. Not-so-experienced Motie managed to bag in 2 critical wickets. Two of the finest bowlers Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers went wicketless. Nicholas Pooran tried his hand but was smashed for 23 runs in just 2 overs.
Newly armed skipper Shikhar Dhawan walked out without his favourite partner Rohit Sharma who has been given some rest along with othee senior players. Shubman Gill was witnessed in the blues after a very long time and the performance by the young lad seems like he will be continuing in the blues for sometime now.
Shikhar Dhawan scored a magnificent 97-runs mark and missed a terrific ton by just 3 runs but the ‘Gabbar’ as usual walked back with a smile. On the other hand Shubman Gill scored 64 runs before getting run out by Pooran.
Shreyas Iyer, who took the responsibility of the first dowm position, scored a well-desreved half century and had to walk back soon after his fifty. Two of the finest batsmen Surykumar Yadav and Sanju Samson could not stay for long and walked back with minimal scores. Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel closed in the innings to take on the lead of more than 300 runs.
West Indies managed to restrict India at 308 runs but it was too late before they could leave any impact.