Kohli’s 139, Gill’s 110 Help India Chase Down West Indies Target

Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill produced commanding centuries while Kuldeep Yadav delivered a crucial four-wicket spell as India defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 296, India reached 300 for two in 41.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Kohli remained unbeaten on 139 off 120 balls, while captain Gill scored 110 off 107 deliveries. The pair added 150 runs for the second wicket, taking the game firmly away from the visitors after India had made a solid start through Rohit Sharma and Gill.

Kohli's knock included 10 fours and nine sixes, while Gill struck 11 boundaries and three sixes. Their partnership combined controlled strokeplay with aggressive hitting as the Indian batters made the chase look considerably easier than the target suggested.

Gill reached his 10th ODI century, continuing his impressive record in the format. Kohli, meanwhile, registered his 55th ODI century and 86th international hundred. He also became only the second batter in history to cross 15,000 runs in ODI cricket, joining Sachin Tendulkar in the exclusive milestone.

Gill benefited from a reprieve early in his innings when substitute fielder Keemo Paul dropped him off Jayden Seales. He made the most of the opportunity, bringing up his half-century from 49 balls before accelerating towards his hundred.

Kohli also looked in complete control during the chase. He reached his century from just 74 balls, finishing the match unbeaten and ensuring India crossed the target with plenty of overs to spare.

Earlier, the West Indies posted 295 for seven after being sent in to bat. Justin Greaves top-scored with a maiden ODI century, making 101 off 108 balls, while John Campbell contributed 62 and Amir Jangoo remained unbeaten on 58.

The visitors made an aggressive beginning, with Campbell and Greaves adding 135 runs for the opening wicket. West Indies appeared set for a much bigger total before Kuldeep changed the course of the innings.

The left-arm wrist-spinner finished with four wickets for 40 runs, breaking the West Indies' momentum during the middle overs. Campbell was dismissed after miscuing a sweep, while Shai Hope was deceived by a change in line. Kuldeep then removed Greaves and Jewel Andrew in successive dismissals, leaving the visitors struggling at 198 for five.

Greaves' century was his maiden hundred in the ODI format, but Kuldeep's spell prevented the West Indies from converting their strong start into a substantially larger total.

Jangoo then provided the late impetus, adding important partnerships with Roston Chase and Matthew Forde. He reached his fifty from just 38 balls, helping West Indies finish close to the 300-run mark.

India's bowling effort was led by Kuldeep, while Prasidh Krishna took two wickets. Debutant Naman Dhir was also part of India's XI as the team continues to assess combinations ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

With Kohli and Gill in dominant form during the chase, India's response proved decisive. The second ODI will now be important for the West Indies as India look to extend their advantage in the three-match series.