Thanks to a solid 81 by Ajiyanka Rahane, the Indian Cricket Team ended the first day on 203 for 6 in a rain-curtailed day played at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua on Thursday.
West Indies captain Jason Holder won the toss and decided to field first. The decision paid off as Kemar Roach got the early breakthrough dismissing Mayank Agarwal. Roach struck again getting the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara for 2. West Indies struck again as Shannon Gabriel dismissed Indian captain Virat Kohli for 9. Rahane came to the crease and was cautious with his defensive technique. KL Rahul looked positive with his intent hitting bad balls away for boundaries. India ended the 1st session at 68 for 3.
After the lunch break, Rahul and Rahane continued to play with positive intent before Roston Chase dismissed KL Rahul for 44 with poor delivery. Hanuma Vihari came to the crease and took on the West Indies bowlers with attacking stroke play. Rahane reached his half-century off 117 balls. Rain arrived at the score of 134 for 4 when the umpires decided to call as Tea.
Hanuma Vihari and Rahane played with positive intent on West Indies bowlers in the third session putting pressure on West Indies bowlers. Kemar Roach got the breakthrough dismissing Vihari for 32. Vihari and Rahane added 82 runs for the 5th wicket. Rahane played with a t of composure and played good shots on bad balls. Shannon Gabriel got the big breakthrough dismissing Rahane for 81. The explosive Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja are still at the crease with the score at 203 for 6. Rain arrived again and play was called off.
The Indian top order struggled against the West Indies pacers. Mayank, Pujara, and Kohli were dismissed quickly. Rahane who was not in good form led the way with a solid 81. Kemar Roach was the pick o0f bowlers with 3 wickets.
India 203 for 6 in 68.5 overs ( Rahane 81, Kemar Roach 3/34, Gabriel 2/49)
