Along expected lines, India defeated West Indies in the series-decider to win the 5-match ODI series 3-1 on Thursday. At the Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, the Indian bowlers restricted the home team to a modest 205-9, after which the batsmen – powered by skipper Virat Kohli’s record-breaking century – knocked off the required runs in under 37 overs.
As a result of the win, India remain third in the ICC ODI rankings. It also means that India have now defeated West Indies in the last seven bilateral series dating back to 2007. Further, it also means that India have won every bilateral series they have played under Virat Kohli as captain.
The Indian captain had had an indifferent run with the bat very recently, particularly in the Antigua leg of the tour, when he was dismissed for 11 & 3. On Thursday, the situation was made for him.
After losing the previous ODI, there was plenty of pressure on the team. On top of that, a series-decider, a run-chase, one opener dismissed in the first over. And so the ‘King of run-chases’ responded.
Virat Kohli smashed his 28th ODI hundred – his 16th in a successful ODI run-chase – and finished the job in signature fashion, smashing Roston Chase into the stands at long-on.
The century was Virat’s 18th overall in run-chases in ODIs – which obliterated the record held by Sachin Tendulkar, who had scored 17 centuries in run-chases in his 23-year long career.
Given the target in front wasn’t too demanding, Virat didn’t begin with his usual flourish, but instead took a measured approach to build his innings.
Early on, he was cautious against the short deliveries dished out by the WI pacers. He was particularly cautious against Jason Holder who repeatedly bowled in that channel outside the off-stump where Kohli is known to be fallible. Off the 18 deliveries Holder bowled to him in the first ten overs, Kohli played out 15 dot balls and only scored 4 runs.
Kohli needed 67 balls to get to his half-century, but once he got there, he cut loose and flexed his muscles. He needed only 41 more deliveries to reach three figures.
Courtesy his ton in the series-decider in Sabina Park, Virat has drawn level with Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni for the second-most hundreds scored by Indian captains in ODIs.
Shami’s 4-for Derails WI
Earlier in the day, West Indies, who had opted to bat first, were comfortably placed at 163-4 with two well-set batsmen at the crease. But Mohammed Shami picked up four timely wickets to help restrict the hosts to 205-9.
Playing only his second ODI in more than two years, Shami returned figures of 4-48 – which included the scalps of the two well-set batsmen.
It is disappointing to observe the Indian team hasn’t utilised Shami better. He warmed the benches for all the matches in the ICC Champions Trophy and even missed the first three matches of this series in the Caribbean.
The 26-year old is a proven wicket-taker – as can be established from the fact that he takes a wicket every 27 balls – which is the best among all Indian bowlers. Further, after 49 ODIs – which is how many Shami has played – only two bowlers have taken more wickets than Shami has.
After this performance in Jamaica, one hopes that the Indian team management is satisfied with Shami’s form and fitness, and give him a decent run in the coming matches.
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