India shames West Indies in first ODI

India's Rohit Sharma raises his bat to celebrate scoring a century during the fourth one-day international cricket match between India and West Indies in Mumbai, India, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018.
Associated Press / Rafiq Maqbool, file

India embarrassed the West Indies in the opening of the five One-Day International series, condemning them to an 11th defeat in their last 13 One-Day Internationals.

They appeared to put India on the back foot when Shirmon Hetyemer’s 106 propelled them to 322 for eight off their 50 overs — only their fourth 300 plus total since the 2015 World Cup — but Rohit Sharma slammed a robust, unbeaten 152, while captain Virat Kholi stroked a breathtaking 140, to brutally snatched the game away from the West Indies at Guwahati.

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

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

West Indies were demoralized and the unbroken 70-run, third wicket stand between Sharma and Ambati Rayudu (22 not out) gave India victory with eight overs to spare.

However, the regional team bounced back in the second ODI with a dramatic tie when Shai Hope struck the last ball off Umesh Yadav for four.

Chasing 322, Hope, hit an unbeaten 125, his second ODI century, but needed 20 runs from the last two overs, he could not get West Indies over the line.

Kholi scored his second century when he struck 157 not out.

India lead the five-match series 1-0.