Thiruvananthapuram: Master batter Virat Kohli and skipper Shubman Gill delivered a masterclass in 50-over cricket, firing virtuoso centuries to power India to a dominant eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first One Day International at Greenfield International Stadium.

Chasing a competitive target of 296, India cruised to 300 for two in just 41.4 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Kohli remained unbeaten on 139 off 84 balls (10 fours, 9 sixes), while Gill struck a brilliant 110 off 107 deliveries. The duo stitched together a decisive 150-run partnership for the second wicket after an opening stand of 75 between Gill and Rohit Sharma.

The match also saw Justin Greaves notch his maiden ODI hundred (101) for the West Indies, but his milestone was ultimately eclipsed by Kuldeep Yadav’s lethal four-wicket burst and India's relentless run-chase.

Kohli Scales Historic 15,000-Run Peak

Kohli’s innings was another historic entry in his record books. During his knock, he became only the second batter in international cricket history to register 15,000 ODI runs, joining Sachin Tendulkar in an elite club of two. Kohli reached the mark in just 303 innings, shattering Tendulkar's record of 377.

The 37-year-old capped his performance by bringing up his 55th ODI century—and 86th international ton overall—in electrifying fashion, leaping from 94 to 100 with a towering six over mid-wicket off Gudakesh Motie off just 74 balls.

Gill, who was dropped early on 11 by substitute fielder Keemo Paul, capitalized fully on the reprieve to register his 10th ODI hundred. The Indian captain reached his half-century in 49 balls and accelerated to his century in the next 47, showcasing a wide array of cover drives and square cuts before eventually falling to a slog-sweep off Roston Chase caught in the deep.

Kuldeep’s Magic Stifles Early Windies Momentum

Earlier in the day, West Indies appeared set for a massive total as opening pair John Campbell (62 off 60 balls) and Justin Greaves put on 135 runs in 19.2 overs. However, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav turned the tide completely, returning figures of 4 for 40 to restrict the visitors to 295 for seven.

Kuldeep broke the dangerous opening stand by inducing a miscued sweep from Campbell, who was caught at mid-on by Prasidh Krishna. He followed up by removing Windies captain Shai Hope, who skied a catch to Ravindra Jadeja at point.

The spinner then dealt a double blow, removing Greaves via LBW after review, before trapping Jewel Andrew with a googly on the very next ball. Kuldeep’s spell triggered a sudden collapse, reducing the West Indies from 176 for one to 198 for five.

A late counter-attack by Amir Jangoo (58 not out off 38 balls) helped the West Indies recover near the 300-run mark, adding vital partnerships with Chase and Matthew Forde. However, the total proved far from enough once Kohli and Gill took center stage. (PTI)