Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav struck twice in an over to stun the West Indies in the first ODI on Sunday, September 27. The first game of the three-match series is being played at the Greenfield International Stadium in Trivandrum.
Batting first, the West Indies got off to a solid start with a 135-run stand for the opening wicket. However, once India broke the stand, they managed to pull things back. In the 36th over, Kuldeep Yadav delivered a double blow. On the third delivery, he first dismissed Justin Greaves, who was well set. He bowled a wrong’un that Greaves tried to sweep but failed to connect. While the LBW appeal was initially turned down, India went for the review. The ball pitched on leg and spun away to trap the batter on the back leg. Ball-tracking showed it to be hitting the off-stump and the decision was overturned as Greaves walked back for 101 off 108 balls.
Kuldeep struck immediately off the next delivery, dismissing Jewel Andrew for a golden duck. He bowled a googly that had extra bounce on the length. Andrew failed to pick it and pressed forward to block the ball. However, he ended up edging it behind as Rohit Sharma put in a well-timed jump at first slip to take an overhead catch.
Watch the dismissals below –
Kuldeep Yadav was on a hat-trick but missed out on the third wicket. However, he bowled a double-wicket maiden to leave the West Indies at 198/5 from 135/0.
Kuldeep Yadav has done well against the West Indies in ODIs
Kuldeep Yadav has a phenomenal record against the West Indies in ODIs. Before the ongoing game, he had picked 33 wickets against them from 19 matches at an average of 21.51 and an economy rate of 4.72, with best figures of 4/6.
He now has 37 wickets against the Caribbean side following his brilliant spell in the ongoing game, bowling ten overs and going for 40 runs with four wickets. Along with Greaves and Andrew, he also dismissed John Campbell (62) and Shai Hope (12).
In the absence of a wicket-taking bowler like Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep proved himself once again, emerging as the X-factor for India with the ball.
Edited by Rishab Vm
