India kicked off the ODI series in style on September 27, 2026, securing a comprehensive 8-wicket win over the West Indies with 50 balls to spare at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Chasing a target of 296 after a disciplined bowling performance led by Kuldeep Yadav, India chased down the total comfortably, finishing at 300/2 in 41.4 overs.
The highlight of the match was a masterclass by Virat Kohli, who cemented his status as the ultimate “Chase-Master.” Kohli smashed his 86th international century—and his 55th in ODIs—ending unbeaten on a sensational 126 off 85 balls. Notably, this marked his 25th hundred in successful run chases (the most in cricket history) and his first-ever century reached via a six. Alongside a brilliant partnership with captain Shubman Gill, Kohli’s explosive acceleration at the end sealed a dominant victory, putting India 1-0 up in the three-match series.
