Virat Kohli reached his 55th ODI hundred the way Thiruvananthapuram wanted to see it. On 37.4, Gudakesh Motie tossed one up at 87.2kph. Kohli danced down, got to the pitch and lofted it handsomely over long-on for six. The Greenfield International Stadium rose as one. India were 249/2, chasing 296, and the chase suddenly felt like a formality.
The hundred came off 74 balls, with six fours and six sixes. It was Kohli’s 10th ODI century against West Indies and another night when the old chase master made a target look smaller than the scoreboard suggested.
West Indies posted 295 for 7 after India chose to bowl. Rohit Sharma made 32 before Alzarri Joseph had him caught. That brought Kohli in with Gill already set.
The pair added 151. Gill scored 110 off 108, with 13 fours and a six, before Roston Chase found Jewel Andrew at 225 for 2. Kohli was already past fifty off 40 balls. A six off Joseph took him into the 90s. Motie then offered the full ball Kohli wanted.
He did not stay in the crease. He used his feet, swung through the line and cleared long-on. Century No. 55. His 10th against West Indies in ODIs, the most by any batter against them. Ruturaj Gaikwad was new at the other end. India needed 47 from 74 balls. The required rate was under four.
(More to follow)
