Virat Kohli delivered another memorable performance as India opened their three-match ODI series against West Indies with a convincing eight-wicket victory in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kohli remained unbeaten on 139 off 88 balls, hitting 10 fours and nine sixes. His century was his 55th in ODI cricket, adding another milestone to an already remarkable international career.
Kohli Reaches 15,000 ODI Runs
The match also saw Kohli enter an elite statistical club. He became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to score 15,000 runs in ODI cricket.
Kohli reached the landmark in his 303rd innings, making him the fastest player to the mark. He also moved past Tendulkar’s previous tally for ODI runs scored in India.
His latest century further extended his record in successful ODI chases, while his nine sixes represented his highest number in an ODI innings.
Another Record Against West Indies
Kohli’s century also matched a record associated with Indian batting great Sunil Gavaskar.
With his latest hundred, Kohli reached 13 international centuries against West Indies, equalling Gavaskar’s tally against the Caribbean side. Kohli reached the mark in 74 matches, compared with Gavaskar’s 38.
He also registered his 10th ODI century against West Indies, matching his own record for the most ODI hundreds against a single opponent, a mark he also holds against Sri Lanka.
Shubman Gill Adds Another Century
Kohli was not the only Indian batter to produce a hundred.
Captain Shubman Gill scored 110 from 108 deliveries, giving India a strong platform during the chase. Gill and Kohli shared a 151-run partnership that put India firmly in control after Rohit Sharma’s brisk start.
India eventually reached 300 for two in 41.4 overs, completing the chase with 50 balls remaining.
Kuldeep Yadav Restricts West Indies
Earlier, West Indies posted 295 for seven after being sent in to bat.
Justin Greaves led the visitors’ effort with his maiden ODI century, scoring 101, while John Campbell contributed 62. The pair put together a 135-run opening partnership before India’s bowlers fought back.
Kuldeep Yadav was India’s leading bowler, finishing with four wickets for 40 runs and helping prevent West Indies from setting a bigger target.
India Take 1-0 Lead
The eight-wicket victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
For Kohli, the match added several more milestones to his career while also underlining his continuing impact in the 50-over format. With the series still to be decided, attention now turns to the remaining ODIs and whether India can build on their strong opening performance.