India vs West Indies: Virat Kohli’s 14th ODI ton as captain now only next to Ricky Ponting

NEW DELHI: Chase-master Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma turned West Indies attack into a bunch of net bowlers on Sunday in the first ODI at Guwahati, depositing them to every corner of the park en route their respective centuries that knocked over many records — the most noticeable being Kohli’s 14th century as ODI captain that put him only behind Australia’s Ricky Ponting.

1st ODI: Full Scorecard
After West Indies put up a healthy 322/8 on the board, India suffered an early setback in the form of Shikhar Dhawan (4). But that was the only moment for West Indies to celebrate as Sharma and Kohli (140 off 107) put up 246 runs together, which included an abundant supply of fours and sixes.

The partnership is also the best for India and the second highest overall in ODI cricket during a run-chase.
Kohli brought up his century in 88 balls, which was his 14th as captain. He is now only behind former Australia captain Ponting, who scored 22 hundreds as captain in 50-over internationals.

However, Kohli’s rate of scoring ODI tons as captain is way better than the others in the list of top five skippers. Ponting scored his 22 hundreds in 220 innings while Kohli’s 14 have come in just 50 innings.
Ricky Ponting – 22 centuries (220 innings)
Virat Kohli – 14 centuries (50)
AB de Villiers – 13 centuries (98)
Sourav Ganguly – 11 centuries (143)
Sanath Jayasuriya – 10 centuries (118)
It was Kohli’s fifth ODI century against the West Indies, which is the most by an Indian batsman. The skipper’s century on Sunday was also his:

– 36th overall
– 22nd in run-chases
– 15th at home

Sharma, meanwhile, brought up his century four balls quicker than Kohli, in 84 balls, and remained not out at 152. It was his 20th ODI century.

Earlier, West Indies, put in to bat, rode on the century by Shimron Hetmyer (106 in 78 balls) to reach 322/8. But Kohli and Sharma’s effort ensured a more-than-comfortable win for India as the hosts reached the target in just 42.1 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.