Virat Kohli's ton propels India to 330/6

Dharamsala, Oct 17 (IANS) Virat Kohli slammed his 20th One-Day International (ODI) century (127) to help India post 330 for six in the fourth ODI of a five-match series against the West Indies at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium here on Friday.

The visitors won the toss and elected to field, but they were left to rue the decision as India made a strong start through Shikhar Dhwan (35) and Ajinkya Rahane (68), who added 70 runs for the opening wicket.

Kohli then extended the misery of the Windies -- who earlier had announced their pulling out of the remainder of the tour -- with a stroke-filled 114-ball knock, studded with 13 fours and three sixes.

Suresh Raina gave Kohli able support and hammered his way to 71 off just 58 balls, including three fours and five sixes.

The duo strung together 138 runs off 108 balls as India sped to 280 in the 45th over. The visitors did manage to remove Raina and the dangerous Mahendra Singh Dhoni too failed to get going.

But that didn't stop the Indian juggernaut, led by Kohli, as the hosts manage to score 30 runs off the final 16 balls to post an imposing target.

Spinner Sulieman Benn was the most economical of the Windies bowlers and also managed to pick up a wicket.

Jerome Taylor, Jason Holder and Andre Russell all picked up a wicket each too.