India beat West Indies by three runs in the first ODI to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series in Trinidad.
Dhawan and Shubman Gill opened the innings with a superb 119-run partnership. Even after Gill was out, Dhawan continued to bat well. However, Shamrah Brooks made an incredible catch at backward point in the 34th over as the batter attempted to drive square on the off side.
Team India, on the other hand, managed to post 308/7 in the first innings, thanks to Dhawan’s 97 and useful half-centuries from Gill and Shreyas Iyer.
“I was disappointed not to get the 100, but the team put in a good effort. In the end, we got a good score,” Dhawan said at the post-match presentation.
Target of 309 runs given to West Indies
West Indies fought hard while chasing a target of 309 runs and came within three runs of winning the match. Dhawan stated that a minor fielding change enabled them to defeat their opponents.
Captain Pooran and the head coach had discussed batting for the full fifty overs rather than being all out sooner.
“It looks like a win for us. It’s bittersweet, but we keep talking about batting 50 overs, and everyone saw what we’re capable of, and hopefully we can go from here,” Pooran said during the presentation.
Pooran also praised the bowlers for coming back into the game after India appeared to be cruising at one point, and a total of 350 seemed easy for the Men in Blue.
Dhawan said that the team will keep on learning and try to perform better throughout the series. India have rested several of their key players and youngsters have been given an opportunity to showcase their talent.
“The discussion was to use the bigger side as much as we can and we want to keep on learning and make ourselves better for the rest of the competition,” Dhawan said signing off.
