Xtra Time Web Desk: A brilliant final over from Mohammed Siraj helped India register a thrilling 3 run win in the final over against West Indies in the first ODI at the Queen’s Park Oval on Friday. Siraj defended 15 runs required by the Windies to win in the last over. Shikhar Dhawan played a captain’s knock of 97 runs along with fifties from Shubman Gill (64) and Shreyas Iyer (54) as the visitors posted 308/7. Chasing 309 runs to win, the hosts could manage 305/6 with Romario Shepherd unbeaten on 40 off 35 balls and Akeal Hosein not out on 33.
The hosts lost Shai Hope early in the run chase with Mohammed Siraj providing the breakthrough. However, a brilliant comeback from Samarah Brooks (46 off 61) and Kyle Mayers (75 off 68) kept the home team in the run chase as they stitched together a 117-run partnership.
Shardul Thakur led India’s fightback with two wickets in two overs, removing both Brooks and Mayers. Brandon King (54) and captain Nicholas Pooran (25) kept the pressure on Indian bowlers with a 51-run stand.
India seized an opportunity with Siraj getting rid of Pooran in the 36th over. It was followed by Yuzvendra Chahal removing Rovman Powell quickly for 6 runs. Akeal Hosein and Romario Shepherd kept the hosts in the match as they stitched together another fifty-run stand.
It was left to Mohammed Siraj who bowled an outstanding final over, conceding just 11 runs to restrict the hosts to 305/6.