India vs West Indies, 2nd ODI highlights: Ajinkya Rahane’s feat, Kuldeep Yadav’s three-for and other moments

India trounced West Indies by 105 runs (DLS method) to register an emphatic win in the second match of the five-ODI series. After rain ruled proceedings in the series opener, it made it’s presence felt by triggering a delayed start on Sunday. As a result, the match was reduced to 43 overs per side. West Indies proved to be a no-match to the Indians as the visitors were above par in all departments. Opting to bowl, West Indies were kept at bay as India posted 310 for 5 riding on Ajinkya Rahane‘s century, fifties from Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli. In pursuit of 311, hosts’ innings was single-handedly led by Shai Hope (81), but his departure ensured the home side finished second. Kuldeep Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar led charge with the ball.

Confusion and speculation overtakes after rain delay: With rain leading to a late start, covers finally came off after an hour. The toss was only 15 minutes away when speculations began over Rishabh Pant’s ODI debut. Some tweets suggested the 19-year-old being set for his maiden ODI. Similarly, there was enough confusion on social media regarding the overs lost courtesy weather conditions. While West Indies cricket’s official Twitter handle mentioned a 45-overs contest, other cricket sites stated a 43-overs affair. Finally all speculations and confusions were put to rest. There was no debut for Pant. On the other hand, the final verdict was out, i.e. a 43 overs’ encounter at Port of Spain.

Add Cricket Country as a Preferred Source

Opening stand’s continued dominance: Dhawan and Rahane seemed least bothered by the delayed start. They were quick in accessing the turf and began in full flow. The duo commenced from where they left on Friday, on the same surface, and stroked well-timed shots to the fence. In no time, the pair registered another 100-run stand in less than 20 overs. Dhawan’s balance and immaculate timing was the highlight of his innings, whereas Rahane looked at his fluent best. The partnership finally came to an end with the left-hander’s departure at 63.

This was India’s fourth century stand in last 7 innings (all on foreign soil).

Rahane acts as perfect foil for Rohit: In Rohit Sharma’s absence, the 29-year-old ‘intern’, in form of Rahane, lit up the occasion. He carried on from an attractive 63 in the series opener to notch up his third ODI century. Rahane presented a straight bat to over-pitched deliveries, played the pull shot to perfection and launched few maximums as well. After Dhawan’s exit, he took the center stage and dominated the partnership with Kohli. He brought up his first ton versus West Indies and also became the second Indian opener to register three-figures in Caribbean soil.

Kohli’s flourish, Yuvraj-Dhoni’s indifferent outing and Holder’s forgettable last over: West Indies struck few vital blows at the back end of India’s innings. It looked like they would restrict them below 300, but a trademark Kohli innings bailed visitors out. He was the lone warrior amidst fall of wickets and ensured the scoreboard ticking. His 66-ball 87 was studded with 4 fours and equal number of sixes. Amidst Kohli’s carnage, Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni failed to provide late impetus. While Yuvraj faltered after a brisk start, Dhoni only managed a run-a-ball 13. Surely, the senior pros will feel the heat as their inconsistency in clearing the ropes once again came to the fore.

Holder’s side was hitting the deck in the final overs, but were let down by their captain. He not only conceded 20 runs in the first 5 balls, but also bowled two above-waist-height deliveries to be removed from the attack with one ball remaining. As a result, India ended at 310 for 5 in 43 overs.

Kuldeep’s moment of joy: Bhuvneshwar Kumar made early inroads in West Indies’ tall chase. Kieron Powell and Jason Mohammad departed in no time as hosts faltered early. Shai Hope and Evin Lewis began the repair work by applying themselves. The duo was careful against the pacers and began the onslaught against Kuldeep. Hope cleared his intentions by smacking the Chinaman for 2 fours off his first over. The idea was to not allow the 22-year-old to settle. As a result, they even picked boundaries off Ashwin and added 89 runs for the third wicket.

Just when the duo was accelerating, Kuldeep dared to invite Lewis for a maximum and deceived him. He outfoxed the left-hander on the wrong ‘un. Lewis came shimming down the track to be completely beaten by the googly, whereas Dhoni did the rest behind the stumps.

Hope falls short off deserving ton: Hope, playing his first ODI against India, was not at all intimidated by the opposition and situation in hand. He mended the innings from 4 for 2 and began the counter-attack along with Lewis. He took on the Indian spinners and smoked them in all corners to bring up his second fifty. After Lewis’ fall, he continued the fireworks single-handedly. Such was his dominance that he was racing towards the three-figure mark with the team score hovering around 120. Hope was outdone by Kuldeep’s flat delivery bowled full, and was adjudged lbw. With Hope’s departure, West Indies’ ‘hopes’ were also buried.

Hope made a staggering 88-ball 81 which included 5 fours and 3 sixes.

Humongous total sinks West Indies further: Hosts were never in the chase and with Hope’s fall, it was all over for them. They were 112 for 4 within 25 overs and managed 205 for 6 in the end. The only resistance came in form of Hope while the rest of the batting faltered. Kuldeep improved on his lines and made amends to end with a three-for whereas Kohli also introduced Yuvraj into the attack; first time since his comeback trail. Holder (29) and Roston Chase’s unbeaten 33 managed to steer the team score beyond 200, but West Indies fell short by 105 runs.

The contest proved that ‘context of the series’ is vital in modern-day and this remains to be a one-sided one unless hosts spring a surprise in the upcoming games. All-round efforts ensured an easy win for the tourists and take a 1-0 lead in the series.