Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill launch India chase with explosive start against West Indies

India surge through the opening overs

India made a fast start in the first ODI against West Indies, reaching 70 without loss at the end of the Powerplay. The hosts were chasing a West Indies total and remained in control despite the visitors having made an even quicker start, reaching 85 without losing a wicket at the same stage of their innings.

India then entered Powerplay 2, when West Indies could have a maximum of four fielders outside the inner circle until the 40th over. The fielding restrictions gave Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill room to keep attacking.

Gill punishes Joseph

Alzarri Joseph came into the attack and immediately struggled to contain Gill. The Indian opener drove one delivery through the covers before cutting two short and wide balls through point. Gill then advanced down the pitch to Gudakesh Motie and launched a flighted delivery over cover for six.

Joseph conceded 12 runs in his first over, including two fours from Gill. His pace briefly troubled the batter when a delivery at 142.2 kph struck Gill on the thigh pad, but the bowler's inconsistent line allowed India to keep the scoring rate high.

Gill's sequence of boundaries took India beyond 50, while his composed placement and aggressive strokeplay ensured that West Indies could not build pressure.

Rohit answers with power

Rohit also produced a major blow against Joseph, pulling a back-of-a-length delivery powerfully into the stands. Earlier, he had hit Matthew Forde for another six, standing tall to dispatch a short ball in front of square on the leg side.

Joseph later beat Rohit outside the off stump and forced several defensive shots, but the India opener continued to look dangerous. One attempted pick-up shot nearly resulted in a catch at deep backward square leg, where Joseph leapt and got a hand to the ball. Rather than complete the catch, he threw it back into play before touching the boundary, saving five runs.

With India needing 232 runs from 246 balls at the latest point in play, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill had established a commanding platform for the chase.