Marlon Samuels scored an unbeaten century and grabbed two wickets as West Indies crushed India by 125 runs in the first one-day international to go 1-0 up in the five-match series at Kochi on Wednesday. Samuels signalled his return to ODI cricket with a brilliantly crafted 126 off 116 balls with 11 fours and four sixes as West Indies put up a commanding 321 for six. The 33-year-old Samuels, who last played in an ODI for West Indies seven months back, equalled his career-best score en route to his sixth century in this format, adding 165 runs for the fourth wicket with wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin (61).
Mohammad Shami claimed 4-66 for India, who won the toss and opted to bowl first. India collapsed under pressure to be dismissed for 197 runs in 41 overs. Shikhar Dhawan scored highest 68 runs before he was bowled by Samuels, who finished with 2-10.
Ravi Rampaul and skipper Dwayne Bravo also played their part claiming 2-48 and 2-28 respectively.
The second match of the series will be held at Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla on October 11.
-With New Age input
