Shreyas Iyer overtakes Virat Kohli to create a massive record in 1st ODI vs West Indies
The Men in Blue started their tour to West Indies with a win on Friday. Furthermore, it was one of the most exciting contests to watch. The result came out on the very last ball of the match, and it was the visitors that held their nerve to clinch a close contest to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
After winning the toss, the hosts decided to bowl first. But it turned out to be a wrong decision as both the Indian openers came and took on the bowlers. Both batsmen added 119 runs for the opening wicket in just 17.4 overs.
Shubman Gill brought up his maiden ODI half-century off just 36 balls, becoming the youngest Indian opener to score a fifty in West Indies. He was looking very good for a big innings but unfortunately got run out after making 64 runs off 53 balls with six fours and two sixes.
His wicket brought Shreyas Iyer to the crease. Then he, along with skipper Shikhar Dhawan, held the innings and started playing their shots. Iyer started slowly but picked up the pace. On the other end, Dhawan, who brought up his 36th ODI fifty, was looking good for a century.
Both batters added 94 runs for the second wicket. However, the Indian skipper got out just three runs short of a well-deserved century. He made 97 runs off 99 balls with 10 fours and three maximums. Iyer also looked good and reached his 10th ODI fifty to break the record of Virat Kohli.
Most 50+ scores for India in the first 25 ODI innings
— The Cricket Panda (@TheCricketPanda) July 22, 2022
12: Navjot Sidhu
11: Shreyas Iyer*
10: Virat Kohli
09: Shikhar Dhawan#ShreyasIyer
Notably, Iyer has played 25 ODI innings and now has 11 fifty plus scores with 10 fifties and one century, whereas Virat has 10 fifty-plus scores in his first 25 innings. In the first ODI match on Friday, Iyer surpassed the former Indian skipper.
Overall, he is second behind Navjot Sidhu, who had 12 fifty-plus scores in his first 25 ODI innings. Notably, this series is critical for Iyer to establish himself as a contender for the No. 4 spot on the team. Because in the presence of all the seniors, it is very difficult for him to make it to the XI.
That's why he needs to make the most of this opportunity. Notably, he was the vice-captain in the match in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja. Speaking of the game, India made 308/7 in their 50 overs.
Chasing the target, West Indies had a number of good partnerships, but in the end, they fell short by just three runs. Kyle Mayers (75 off 68) and Brandon King (54 off 66) were the top scorers. Both teams will now play the second game at the same venue on Sunday at 7 pm IST.