India’s Kohli clinches match, ODI series against Windies

Saturday, 8 July 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

REUTERS: India captain Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten century as his team crushed West Indies by eight wickets to clinch their one-day international series in the final match on Thursday.

Kohli scored 111 at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, securing victory in style with a six as India won at a canter with 79 balls to spare to take the five-match series 3-1.

India scored 206 for two wickets in reply after West Indies won the toss and batted, compiling 205-9 off their allotted 50 overs on a good batting surface.

Kohli scored at almost a run a ball, smashing 12 fours and two sixes for his 28th ODI century. He was ably assisted by Dinesh Karthik, 50 not out, and opener Ajinkya Rahane (39).

Kohli was named Player of the Match, with Rahane Player of the Series.

“First and foremost the aim was to win the series, have a complete team performance,” Kohli said in an on-field interview.

“Special mention to Rahane, who has come back after a while and he was outstanding... “Really pleased with the team effort in general. People are grabbing their opportunities.”

Rahane finished the series with 336 runs at an average of 67.2, taking his opportunity after failing to make the team for the recent Champions Trophy in England.

“I wanted to enjoy my batting,” he said. “Even in the Champions Trophy I was batting very well in the nets, and I really wanted to make it count here.”

The Hope brothers provided a rare bright spot for the home team, with opener Kyle compiling a quick 46 off 50 balls, while Shai made a more patient 51 off 98 balls.

West Indies captain Jason Holder praised his bowlers, but admitted the batting was not up to scratch during the series.

“I sympathise with the batsmen but they need to learn quickly, and use the off-season well,” he said.

Chris Gayle returns for West Indies when India’s brief tour of the Caribbean wraps up with a Twenty20 in Kingston on Sunday.

Jamaican Gayle has never played an international Twenty20 at Sabina Park.

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