After his team’s nervy victory over West Indies in the first ODI in Trinidad, India’s stand-in skipper Shikhar Dhawan expressed disappointment on missing out his century by just three runs.
Asked to bat first, Dhawan led the foundation of the visitors’ massive 308/7 in 50 overs with a brilliant knock of 97 in 99 balls. His opening partner Shubman Gill (64 off 53 balls) and deputy Shreyas Iyer (54 off 57 balls) also slammed half-centuries.
In reply, the hosts fell just three runs short of the target as brilliant half-centuries from Kyle Mayers (75) and Brandon King (54) went in vain.
"Disappointed not to get the 100 but it was a good effort by the team. We got a good score in the end,” said Dhawan at the post-match presentation ceremony after earning Player-of-the-Match award.
Akeal Hosein (32*) and Romario Shepherd (39*) almost took West Indies over the finishing line but Indian bowlers held their nerves to seal a thrilling win.
Mohammed Siraj was the stand-out bowler for India, returning with the figures of 2/57 in his 10 overs. The right-arm pacer also defended 15 runs in the final over.
“There were nerves in the end and did not expect it to turn that way. We kept our cool and one small change in the end where we pushed the fine leg back and that really helped us. The discussion was to use the bigger side as much as we can and we want to keep on learning and make ourselves better for the rest of the competition," Dhawan added.
The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Sunday (July 24).
(With ANI inputs)
