With 15 runs needed off the last over, Mohammed Siraj held his nerve and stopped a rampaging Romario Shepherd to help the inexperienced India snatch a thrilling 3-run win over West Indies in the first ODI in Trinidad.
Chasing a 309-run target, the hosts were rocked early by Siraj but a 117-run stand between Kyle Mayers and Shamrah Brooks for the second wicket kept West Indies in the game. Shardul Thakur, then, removed the two set batters in quick succession at halfway mark and put India in an advantageous position. However, Brandon King took the game deep with a useful 56-run stand with Akeal Hussain to put India on edge. Despite leaking 50 runs in the last five overs, the Men In Blue brought the game back in the final over courtesy of Siraj who restricted the hosts to 305.
Earlier, captain Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill provided the launchpad for a huge target with a 119-run opening stand. Gurdakesh Motie then broke the crucial 104-run second wicket stand by claiming the wicket of Indian captain Dhawan, who missed out on his 18th ODI century by just three runs. In his very next over, Motie also sent Shreyas Iyer back to the pavilion.
India's middle order though failed to make most of the situation before Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel's late flourish helped India post a 309-run target.
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