The first One-day International between India and West Indies was washed out to persistent showers at Port of Spain, Trinidad last night.
After winning the toss West Indies elected to bowl, could not stop Dhawan and Rahane to score runs before West Indies came back. Rain interrupted first and then after 8 balls, it arrived again to stop the match.
West Indies captain Jason Holder won the toss and elected to field at Trinidad. Shikhar Dhawan and the Priyanka Rahane opened the innings for team India. Both of them looked in positive touch scoring 47 runs in the first 10 overs. Rahane who did not get a chance to bat in the Champions Trophy 2017 looked in fluent touch.
After the powerplay overs, both of them continued to play the West Indies bowlers with ease and never allowed them to put pressure. Shikhar Dhawan continued his brilliant form that he displayed in the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2017. Both of them completed their half centuries in 67 and 63 balls respectively to set a strong foundation for India to post a big total. Alizarin Joseph struck for West Indies taking the wicket of Rahane for 62 ending a 136 runs partnership in 25 overs.
Shikhar Dhawan and Captain Virat Kohli slowed the Indian innings in the middle overs. The West Indies bowlers came back by bowling well to Virat Kohli. Dhawan was dismissed for 87 by Devendra Bishoo after taking a review for LBW. Yuvraj Singh came to the crease and struggled for timing, dismissed for just 4 runs. Before the rain arrived, India was 189 for 3 in 38 overs. After 8 balls of play, rain arrived again to leave India at 199 for 3 in 39.2 overs.
The positive point for India in this match was Rahane who was playing his first ODI since the last five months; Dhawan also continued his great form. But Yuvraj Singh struggled to time the ball. Rishabh Pant should get a chance in the coming matches. Kuldeep Yadav who made his debut did not get a chance to bowl.
The second One-day International is to be played on 25th June at Port of Spain, Trinidad.