Sport
Tri-Nation ODI series: West Indies defeat India by one wicket
Shikhar Dhawan of India (l) with Kieron Pollard of the West Indies during the Tri-Nation series ODI match between India and the West Indies, June 30 2013. PHOTO/Reuters
Opener Johnson Charles slammed 97 but it was left to West Indies last wicket pair of fast-bowlers Kemar Roach and Tino Best to scramble a thrilling one-wicket victory over India in the second game of the Tri-Nation one day international (ODI) series at Sabina Park on Sunday.
Chasing 230 off 50 overs, after India posted 229 for seven off their 50, the West Indies struggled to reach the target for the lost of nine wickets, off 47.4 overs.
Having steered a pivotal middle-order recovery with left-hander Darren Bravo (55), Charles fell short of what appeared a certain century in the 41st over with an ill-advised aerial drive off paceman Umesh Yadav of India.
With three singles needed to convert a well-composed innings into his third ODI century, Charles needlessly sought another boundary and was the eighth batsman to perish with West Indies needing 19 runs from 10 overs.
Charles was later named man-of-the match for his aggressive and defiant innings , which came off 100 balls and included eight fours and four sixes.
After India took an early grip on the match, dismissing opener Chris Gayle , Devon Smith and Marlon Samuels cheaply and leaving West Indies on 26 for three, young Charles and Bravo pulled around the hometeam with a 116-run fourth-wicket partnership that laid the foundation for the narrow win over the World champions.
They came together in the fifth over and resisted the Indians until the 28th with a commanding mix of imperious stroke-play , regular boundaries, and good running between the wickets.
