Man of the match Marlon Samuels scored 126 not out and took 2-10 in the 1st ODI vs India - photo courtesy of BCCI
By Patrick R. Anderson
Despite turmoil inside its ranks between the players and their Union, the West Indies Players' Association, The West Indies managed to pull off a superb and comprehensive 124 run victory over India in the 1st One Day International in Kochi on Wednesday.
Sent to bat with a cloud over their collective heads, The West Indies put on 34 for the opening wicket as skipper Dwayne Bravo stepped up to open with Dwayne Smith. Bravo was first to go for 17 at 1-34, followed by Smith who cracked 46 but was dismissed at 2-98.
Darren Bravo made 28 to go at 3-120, but this only set the stage for a sublime return to international cricket by Marlon Samuels who came in at number-4. Samuels teamed with test captain Denesh Ramdin, and the two put on a record 165 for the 4th wicket, as Ramdin hit 61 off 59 balls, while Samuels crafted a well played 6th ODI century and was left unbeaten on 126 from 116 balls including 11 boundaries and 4 sixes.
Samuels despatched the Indian bowlers to all parts of the Kochi ground in an innings to remember as he took total charge of the proceedings. Mohammed Shami was the pick of the bowlers with 4-66.
The Windies bowlers despite starting short of a good length, soon settled down and combined with their fielders to dismiss the powerful Indian team for 191 off 41 overs. Only Shakar Dhawan 68 offered resistance and played fluently, while Jadeja hit 33 not out against suffocating Windies bowling led by Ravi Rampaul 2-48, Dwayne Bravo 2-28 and man of the match Marlon Samuels 2-10. Jerome Taylor, Andre Russell and Darren Sammy each claimed a wicket.
The Windies will take their 1-0 series lead into Saturday's 2nd ODI in Delhi, while the 3rd, 4th and 5th ODIs are scheduled for October 14, 17 and 20.
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