Martin brings India down to earth

West Indies secure first win of the series.

NORTH SOUND:

India captain Suresh Raina was left  to rue an inept batting performance that saw the world champions crash to a 103-run defeat against the West Indies in the fourth One-Day International (ODI).

Raina admitted that a combination of poor shot selection by his batsmen and good cricket by the hosts contributed to his team's downfall.

"We didn't bat very well but credit must go to the West Indies because they played really well in this game," he said. "We're always disappointed when we're on the losing side but West Indies batted and bowled really well.

"Our shot selection was really wrong. We lost our shape, and we didn't have any partnerships. Rohit was there playing well again, but Yusuf and I got out at a crucial time."

Relief for Sammy

Inspired by a career-best spell from leg-spinner Anthony Martin who took four for 36, the hosts were able to dismiss India for a paltry 146 while chasing 249 to go 4-0 up in the series. Andre Russell contributed with three for 16, while captain Darren Sammy picked up two wickets and was a relieved man after the game.

"We did a lot more things better in this game," said Sammy. "Throughout this series we've been improving and in this game we put a decent target of 250 on the board. We had a different mindset. The guys put the ball in the right areas and we got the wickets we needed to complete a victory."

'I don't like losing'

Man of the match Martin was in high spirits after his brilliant show.

"No one comes here and destroys me on my pitch," he said. "This is my pitch. I don't care who they are. I'm here to destroy whoever I play against. I'm so glad that I did it against India, the world champions."

India, chasing their highest target of the series, started brightly but kept losing wickets at inopportune times. Rohit Sharma led the way with 39, and was one of a handful of Indian batsmen that got starts without carrying on.

Earlier, India's bowlers had done their best to maintain the status quo, but Kieron Pollard top-scored with 70 and Lendl Simmons supported with 67, helping West Indies reach 249 for eight. Praveen Kumar was the most successful Indian bowler with three for 37 from 10 overs, and leg-spinner Amit Mishra captured two for 56 from 10 overs.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2011.