Our Bureau
Thiruvananthapuram
Virat Kohli became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to cross 15,000 runs in men’s One-Day Internationals as India defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the opening ODI on Sunday. Kohli marked the milestone with an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls, helping India chase down a target of 296 with 50 balls to spare.
Kohli, who came to the crease at No. 3, recorded his 86th international century and his 55th ODI hundred during a dominant Indian chase. He shared a 151-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill, who scored 110 off 108 deliveries and registered his 10th ODI century. India eventually reached 300 for two, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The milestone added another landmark to Kohli’s ODI career. He is now the second-highest run-scorer in the format, behind Tendulkar, while former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara remains third on the all-time list. Kohli reached the 15,000-run mark in his 303rd ODI innings, according to reports.
Earlier, the West Indies posted 295 after being asked to bat first. Openers Justin Greaves and John Campbell put together 135 runs before India struck back. Greaves scored his maiden ODI century, while Amir Jangoo contributed a quick 58 from 43 balls to help the visitors recover after a middle-order collapse.
India spinner Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler, taking four wickets for 40 runs on his return to ODI cricket. Prasidh Krishna also helped restrict the West Indies during a spell in which the visitors lost four wickets for 22 runs.
India’s successful chase was built around the centuries from Gill and Kohli, with Kohli finishing the match by hitting successive sixes.