Greaves’ Century, Jangoo’s Late Surge Put West Indies in Command Against India

Justin Greaves anchors the innings with a century before Amir Jangoo launches a late assault; Kuldeep Yadav strikes four times as India fight back in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram. West Indies produced a strong batting display against India in the opening ODI of the three-match series at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday, with Justin Greaves’ century and Amir Jangoo’s late acceleration giving the visitors a competitive total.

India, after winning the toss and choosing to field, found themselves under pressure during the first half of the West Indies innings. Although India’s spin spearhead Kuldeep Yadav produced a crucial four-wicket burst in the middle overs, the Caribbean side recovered strongly in the closing stages.

Greaves Turns a Promising Start Into a Century

Justin Greaves emerged as the central figure of the West Indies innings.

The opener compiled 101 from 108 deliveries, including 12 boundaries, providing stability after the visitors made an aggressive start. His century became the platform around which West Indies rebuilt their innings and pushed towards a sizeable total.

Greaves’ dismissal at 198/4, however, triggered a brief collapse as India immediately capitalised on the opportunity.

Campbell Sets the Tempo

John Campbell provided the early momentum alongside Greaves.

The left-hander scored 62 from 60 balls, helping West Indies race through the opening phase without losing a wicket. Their opening partnership put India’s bowlers under early pressure and established the foundation for what initially looked like a very large total.

Campbell eventually departed at 135, bringing India’s bowlers back into the contest.

Kuldeep Changes the Rhythm

India’s biggest breakthrough came through Kuldeep Yadav.

The wrist-spinner removed the well-set Greaves and then struck with the very next delivery, dismissing Jewel Andrew for a first-ball duck. The double blow at 198/5 dramatically altered the momentum of the innings.

Kuldeep completed a four-wicket haul, becoming the key figure in India’s effort to restrict the Caribbean batting line-up.

Hope Falls After Reaching a Personal Milestone

West Indies captain Shai Hope could not convert his start into a substantial innings.

He made 12 before being dismissed, despite reaching the landmark of 1,000 ODI runs against India during his stay at the crease.

Roston Chase then attempted to steady the innings, scoring 24 from 32 balls, before Prasidh Krishna removed him with West Indies on 250/6.

Jangoo Takes Charge at the Finish

With the innings entering its final phase, Amir Jangoo shifted the momentum once again.

Jangoo reached his half-century from just 38 balls, striking at well above 130. His aggressive approach ensured that India’s bowlers could not fully capitalise on the middle-order collapse.

Jangoo was eventually listed on 56 from 41 balls, while Matthew Forde remained at the other end as West Indies moved towards the end of their 50 overs.

Naman Dhir Makes ODI Debut

The match also marked the ODI debut of India’s Naman Dhir, who was included in the playing XI as an all-round option.

India’s XI featured Rohit Sharma, captain Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Naman Dhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna.

The West Indies XI included John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales.

A Strong Test for India’s Bowling Combination

The first ODI has already offered contrasting phases for both teams.

West Indies dominated the opening period through Campbell and Greaves, India responded through Kuldeep’s spell, and Jangoo’s late hitting restored the visitors’ momentum.

The contest is also part of India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, making the series an important opportunity for both teams to assess combinations and individual performances in the 50-over format. The three-match ODI series began in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, with the remaining matches scheduled for Guwahati and Mullanpur.

Match Snapshot

West Indies: 288/6 after 49 overs
Justin Greaves: 101 (108)
John Campbell: 62 (60)
Amir Jangoo: 56* (41)
Kuldeep Yadav: 4 wickets

The final overs will determine whether West Indies can push the total beyond the 290-run mark and leave India with a demanding chase under the lights.

(SDNA)