4th ODI: Raina secures series win for India

Batsman scores unbeaten 89 in 5-wicket triumph over England.

Suresh Raina scored an unbeaten 89 to help India beat England by five wickets in Mohali yesterday and gain an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match One-Day International series.

Chasing a target of 258, Raina, who was also named man-of-the-match, smashed nine boundaries and a six in his 79-ball knock that helped India comfortably sail India home.

Earlier, a late charge from Kevin Pietersen (76) and Joe Root (57*) ensured England put up a decent total of 257 for 7 on the board.

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was delighted with his side’s performance.

“It was a very good performance overall, more so with the new ball,” said Dhoni. “We didn’t allow them get off to a quick start. We have a new bowling attack and they will learn a lot with experience. The conditions have not been typical sub-continental conditions, except Kochi, so the series win has been a good achievement for us.”

England captain Alastair Cook said that his team failed to cope with the conditions in Mohali.

“I don’t think the conditions were really in our favour,” said Cook. “We put up a pretty good score on this wicket. Joe Root played pleasingly and moved the ball around well.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2013.