Absolutely disgraceful batting performance by the hosts against India in the first ODI match of the series as they get bundled out for a mere 114 in 23 overs at the Kensington Oval, Barbados. Indian bowlers were right on the money from the start and have shown their dominance in the Caribbean.
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Earlier in the match, Rohit Sharma won the toss and asked the opposing team to bat first. India began with a bowling attack of three seamers, two spinners, and Hardik Pandya. The three seamers included Mukesh Kumar, who made his ODI debut today, a week after making his test debut.
It all started with Kyle Mayers gifting his wicket to Hardik Pandya in just the third over of the match. It was then a domino effect as wickets fell at regular intervals, courtesy of some excellent fielding and ferocious bowling from India.
Mukesh Kumar got his debut wicket in the form of Alick Athanaze, who looked good for his short period on the crease. Jadeja took a sensational catch at point as Mukesh Kumar was pumped up. Shardul Thakur soon cleaned up. Brandon King and the Windies were 45/3.
All the other seven wickets were shared by Indian spinners, as Ravindra Jadeja got the first three and Kuldeep Yadav got the last four. Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli took absolute blinders in the slip cordon to dismiss Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd, respectively.
It seemed like the batters did not have any goals in the match and came just for the sake of playing. Captain Shai Hope was the top scorer with 43 runs, whereas only three other batters managed to reach double digits.
All Indian bowlers except Umran Malik got wickets. Hardik Pandya, Mukesh Kumar, and Shardul Thakur got a wicket each. Jadeja got three wickets in his six overs, whereas Kuldeep Yadav ended with figures of 3-2-6-4.
The Indian opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will now look to finish this match without any casualties and chase it down as soon as possible.
