Virat Kohli scored a superb 117

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India secured a 2-0 lead against West Indies in Visakhapatnam after a commanding partnership between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

India, set a target of 270 to win were shaky in reply, but Kohli and Sharma’s 163 run partnership saw them home.

Kohli, the sole centurion, said: “Always great to bat with Rohit, we can learn to build partnerships. Always a pleasure to watch him bat.”

India’s bowlers also played a critical role in the victory, with Umesh Yadav claiming three West Indian wickets, while giving away a meagre 38 runs in 10 overs.

However, West Indies had a record breaking, third highest 10th wicket partnership thanks to a blazing 86 from opening bowler Ravi Rampaul. Lendl Simmons chipped in with a sensibly played 78.

West Indian captain Darren Sammy said: “That last-wicket stand gave us a lot of inspiration. It shows the fight in this team.”

Some poor fielding from the West Indies cost them dearly as Kohli was dropped on 24 by wicketkeeper Dinesh Ramdin and on 40 by Marlon Samuels, before charging on to make 117.

India seemed to be struggling at first with the asking rate, but Kohli and Sharma fought through to keep the match alive and secure the win.

Once Kohli departed after a well made 117, India were rocked by the first ball departure of big hitter Suresh Raina. But Sharma refused to be beaten and stuck out till the end with Ravindra Jadeja to end the match.

Indian captain for this ODI series Virender Sehwag was very pleased with his team’s performance: “Our bowlers did fantastically with the new ball. It was an off day for Ashwin but Jadeja bowled well…Rohit and Virat batted very maturely.”

The third ODI will be hosted in Ahmedabad on the 5th of December.