First ODI between India and the West Indies washed out, leaving Chris Gayle nine runs short of Brian Lara's West Indian record
Match Report:
ScorecardGayle falls short of record before Virat's rain dance
Inclement weather forced the abandonment of the first one-day international between the West Indies and India at the Guyana National Stadium after Chris Gayle was made to wait for the hosts' ODI run-scoring record.
Only 13 overs were bowled after the home side were put in to bat when India captain Virat Kohli won the toss, with the West Indies reaching 1-54 before rain drove them off the field.
Having already started two hours late because of morning showers, the further rain interruptions during the brief innings ended any hopes of a result and any lingering prospect of play was washed away by the latest downpour in mid-afternoon.
India’s skipper appeared unperturbed by the delays, dancing with the groundstaff, his teammates and even Gayle as the two sides waited for play to resume.
Image Id: D14E87875FBF4F58BCC8EE79CB16CC19 Image Caption: Kohli busts a move as he waits for play to resumeVeteran opening batsman Gayle was the lone wicket to fall, being bowled by left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for just four, leaving him nine runs short of surpassing the tally of outstanding former batsman and captain Brian Lara of 10,405 as the most by a West Indian in ODIs.
Gayle, who has reversed a decision to retire from the 50 overs-per-side format of the game after the World Cup, occupied 31 deliveries before being dismissed.
This is his 299th ODI, equalling Lara's record for the most by a West Indian.
Image Id: 6066656FFB8949E1A77DEA01386A1E75 Image Caption: Kuldeep Yadav celebrates the only wicket to fallIt therefore means that the 39-year-old will establish a new ODI record for West Indies appearances and also has the chance to surpass Lara's run tally when the second match is played in Trinidad - Lara's homeland - on Sunday.
In contrast to Gayle's pedestrian innings, Evin Lewis was unbeaten on 40 off 36 deliveries (three sixes, two fours) in partnership with Shai Hope when the match was called off.