Flashback: India’s first Test win in West Indies

in modern-day cricket, team India has maintained their dominance over the West Indies in the longest format of the game. However, West Indies still holds an edge over India in head-to-head records. While the Indian team has managed to beat West Indies in 22 Test matches, the Caribbean team has come won a total of 30 games.

It took 18 years for India to register its first victory against the West Indies in their own country. Talking about that game, West Indies skipper Sir Garry Sobers won the toss and opted to have a bat first on a slowish pitch. Thanks to an excellent knock of 71* runs from Charlie Davis, the home team finished the first innings with a score of 214. For India, EAS Prassana (four wickets) and Bishan Bedi (three wickets) were the successful bowlers.

In reply, Team India batted excellently and finished with 352 runs in its first innings. Dilip Sardesai was the hero from the Indian innings as he scored a blazing 112 runs. For West Indies, Jack Noreiga’s nine-wicket haul was a defining performance, or else the home team would have been in a lot of trouble.

West Indies started its second innings on a solid note as they crossed the 150-run mark and lost only one wicket before the end of Day 3. However, the home team could not capitalize on their start as they were eventually bowled out for 261, with India needing 124 to win.

Gavaskar and Mankad walked out in the middle and stitched an opening partnership of 74 runs before Mankad got out. Team India lost a few wickets in quick succession, but Gavaskar continued to hold his end as he played a vital knock of 67* runs, India won the game by seven wickets.