West Indies batted first and posted a formidable score of 245/6. Rohit Sharma opened the innings and soon got into the action hitting 3 fours of the second over of the innings bowled by Samuel Badree. When Rahane and Kohli were dismissed in quick succession, Rahul joined Rohit at the crease. Rahul soon got into the act smacking Sunil Narine for two fours and six to propel India close to the target. The pair put on the 89 runs for the third wicket in just 7.1 overs by taking the attack to the opposition bowlers.

Rohit was in devastating form striking 4 huge sixes in the arc between long and mid-wicket to ensure that India kept the required run rate within reach. He scored 62 off just 28 balls studded with 4 fours and 4 sixes at a batting strike rate of 221.42. He was finally dismissed when he was caught by Johnson Charles off the bowling of Kieron Pollard attempting another big hit. However, he had done his job giving the innings impetus and setting India on course for victory.

KL Rahul played an equally important and brilliant innings at the other end. The situation was such that he had to attack from the moment he came to the crease. He complemented Rohit who was in sublime form and the duo really went after the bowling. His innings was exemplary in the sense that he played normal cricketing shots without slogging and his shots always seemed to go into the gaps. He became just the third Indian cricketer after Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma to score a century in international cricket in all formats of the game. After the fall of Rohit’s wicket he upped the ante and scored the bulk of the runs. He reached his century off 46 balls which was the joint second fastest innings in T20Is. He remained unbeaten on 110 of 51 balls with 12 fours and 5 huge sixes at a batting strike rate of 215.68. This carried India to the brink of victory.