Virat Kohli achieved a historic milestone on Sunday, becoming only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to accumulate 15,000 runs in men’s one-day international (ODI) cricket. The star batter reached the achievement with an unbeaten 139 from 88 balls, leading India to a commanding eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the opening match of their three-game series. This landmark performance follows Kohli’s recent announcement that he plans to retire from international duty following next year’s 50-over World Cup, leaving the 50-over format as his final frontier after stepping away from T20 and Test cricket. The leading century-maker in ODIs has already retired from T20 internationals and Test cricket and now represents India only in the 50-over format.
India successfully chased down a target of 296 with 50 balls remaining. The pursuit began with a 74-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, though Sharma fell in the 12th over. Gill, currently the world’s top-ranked ODI batter, continued his fine form to register his 10th century with a sweep shot. He contributed 110 runs off 108 balls, sharing a decisive 151-run stand with Kohli that essentially secured the outcome. After Roston Chase removed Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad added 13 runs to help Kohli guide India to the win, with the match ending on successive boundaries. Kohli struck 139 not out from 88 balls and Shubman Gill made 110 as India chased down 296 with 50 balls to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series on Sunday.
The visitors had initially established a solid foundation after electing to bat. Justin Greaves and John Campbell put together a 135-run opening partnership from 117 balls, exploiting a sluggish Indian bowling effort during the first 20 overs. Greaves, who benefited from a drop by Sharma when on 16, went on to score a maiden ODI century as the team’s top performer.
The momentum turned significantly in the 20th over when Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Campbell. Returning to the ODI side, Yadav claimed 4-40, working in tandem with Prasidh Krishna to dismantle the middle order; the West Indies lost four wickets for just 22 runs between the 31st and 36th overs. Despite the collapse, Amir Jangoo launched a late counterattack, smashing 58 off 43 balls. With assistance from Chase, he steered the visitors from a precarious 198-5 to a final total of 295. He helped the West Indies recover from 198-5 and post 295, with support from Chase.
