India vs West Indies – ODI Series
Blistering spells from Kemar Roach and Andre Russell stopped India from successive fourth win. But leg- spinner Anthony Martin had caused deep wounds.
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Displaying greater intent and resolve, the West Indies crushed India by 103 runs in the fourth ODI. Pursuing 250, Suresh Raina’s men were bundled out for 146 in the 39th over. But however India leads the five-match Digicel series 3-1 going into the final ODI in Kingston (Jamaica).
Leg spinner Martin who took four wickets was adjudged Man of the Match. Yet, it was pace that created the opening for the West Indies. The surface for the game offered the bowlers more bounce and carry. Stung by criticism, the West Indies appeared charged up. Roach bustled in and cranked up impressive speeds. He also got the deliveries to climb.
Some of the young Indian batsmen were found wanting. Some old Indian failings resurfaced. Pushed on to the back foot by the rising deliveries, the batsmen were caught at the crease when the ball was pitched up. Manoj Tiwary, thrust into a top-order role, appeared distinctly uncomfortable. The right-hander, his was feet not moving and he groped more in hope than conviction.
Darren Sammy’s delivery seamed away from length and the off-stump line was teasing and a hapless Tiwary nicked to ‘keeper Baugh. Parthiv pulled Sammy when the pacemen landed one short but soon gave in to a change of pace. He failed to get to the pitch of the ball in his attempt to drive and Sammy held a reflex return catch.
Badrinath also departed, gloving an attempted pull off Russell to Baugh behind the wickets. India was at 62 for three then. Much of India’s hopes hinged on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Between working the ball into the gaps, Rohit pulled Kieron Pollard for the maximum.
Kohli looked good when he drove and flicked. But Martin provided the breakthrough to the Caribbeans. Badrinath soon departed, gloving an attempted pull off Russell to ‘keeper Baugh. India was in trouble at 62 for three and the West Indians were full of beans.
Much of India’s hopes hinged on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Between working the ball into the gaps, Rohit pulled Kieron Pollard for the maximum. Kohli looked good when he drove and flicked. Martin provided the breakthrough to the Caribbeans.
Rohit held firm but India lost wickets at the other end. Raina needed to dig in and then consolidate. But then he perished while trying for a maximum. India slumped into further trouble. Yusuf Pathan, not in the best of form also withered soon. India was now reeling at 114 for six in the 28th over.
And when Rohit (39), unwisely attempted to sweep Martin against the turn to spoon up an easy offering, no one could change the bashful loss of India by 103 runs.
Tags: Cricket, India, Kieron Pollard, ODI Series, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, West Indies
