Hetmyer shines as India hammer Windies

GUWAHATI, India (CMC):

Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer struck a dashing hundred but Rohit Sharma and captain Virat Kohli answered with high-quality centuries of their own, as India hardly broke a sweat in chasing down a competitive 300-plus total to easily win the opening one-day international yesterday.

Facing a tricky target of 323 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, India produced an imperious run chase to get over the line with nearly eight overs remaining and draw first blood in the five-match series, condemning West Indies to an 11th defeat in their last 13 ODIs.

They had appeared to put India on the backfoot when Hetmyer's 106 propelled them up to 322 for eight off their 50 overs - only their fourth 300-plus total since the 2015 World Cup - but Rohit slammed a robust, unbeaten 152, while Kohli stroked a breathtaking 140, to brutally snatch the game away from the Windies.

The assault came in the form of a magnificent record 246-run second-wicket stand between Rohit and Kohli, which pulled the innings around after debutant fast bowler Oshane Thomas forced Shikhar Dhawan to play on in the second over for four with the score on 10.

SEVENTH HIGHEST

The partnership was the highest for any wicket against West Indies and the seventh highest for India in ODIs overall.

Sent in, West Indies were also helped by opener Kieran Powell's attacking 51 and captain Jason Holder's 38, while Shai Hope chipped in with 32 and tail-ender Kemar Roach an unbeaten 26.

The tourists stumbled early on when debutant left-hander Chandrapaul Hemraj under-edged a pull at pacer Mohammed Shami (2-81) on to his stumps in the fifth over to depart for nine with the score on 19.

Hetmyer blasted half-dozen fours and sixes in a scintillating knock, which required only 78 deliveries. His first nine runs required 17 balls but he upped the tempo to reach his half-century off 41 deliveries.

The 21-year-old, in only his 13th ODI, then needed only another 33 deliveries to reach his second landmark in the 38th over-blasting Shami majestically over cover for his final six to post triple figures for the third time in his career and third time this year.

West Indies struck early when the pacy Thomas hurried Dhawan into a false stroke but that proved their last glimpse of victory as Rohit and Kohli ruthlessly annihilated an impotent attack.