Kohli leads India to victory over Windies

Classy Virat Kohli upstaged rampant Chris Gayle as India defeated the West Indies by six wickets in the rain-affected third and final One-Day International of their series at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on Wednesday. Set a revised target of 255 based on the DLS scoring method after Gayle blazed 72 in pacing the home side to 240 for seven off 35 overs, Kohli was at his most imperious in compiling an unbeaten 114 -- his second consecutive ODI hundred –- to pilot his team to 256 for four with 15 balls to spare.

His 43rd ODI hundred off 99 balls with 14 fours and overall impact on the series ensured him the double accolade of ‘Man of the Match’ and ‘Man of the Series’. This successful chase under leaden skies and with the floodlights switched on gave India the series 2-0 following the abandoned first match in Guyana last week.

Kohli’s masterminding of another successful pursuit will leave Jason Holder and his West Indies team wary of what the Indian captain will have to offer with the bat in the upcoming two Tests in Antigua and Jamaica. “It was important for me to convert the big innings in this series but I must acknowledge the role of Shreyas (Iyer) in these two matches here. He has presented a great case for himself,” the Indian captain said after victory was achieved.

“We also did really well to keep the West Indies total to a manageable level. Credit to the bowlers for sticking to the task.” As commanding as his innings was though, the hosts were left to rue a straightforward opportunity missed by wicketkeeper Shai Hope off all-rounder Keemo Paul when the champion batsman was just on 11.