KINGSTON:
Captain Suresh Raina was a disappointed man after world champions India were trumped by half-centuries from Darren Bravo and Ramnaresh Sarwan that guided West Indies to a second consolation victory in the final One-day International (ODI).
The Indian bowlers conceded 96 inside the last 10.4 overs, as West Indies, in pursuit of 252 for victory, hit the jackpot with 14 balls remaining.
"It was a disappointing end to the series for us," said Raina. "But they played really well in the last two matches.
"Now that we have formally won the series, I still think it is important for us to enjoy the moment, and much credit must go to our bowlers, especially Amit Mishra, so I am really happy for the boys."
India appeared to be in control of the match, despite a career-best 86 from Darren Bravo and 75 retired hurt from Ramnaresh Sarwan.
But they failed to maintain the pressure in the closing overs, and Kieron Pollard formalised the result, when he dragged a delivery from Ishant Sharma through mid-on for four.
"Credit to our bowlers, the way they got us back into the match," said West Indies captain Darren Sammy. "Because at one stage it looked like we would chase something much bigger, but Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard gave us a few key breakthroughs."
India won the five-match series 3-2, having won the first three ODIs.
Their batting let them down as had failed to build on 94 from Virat Kohli and 57 from Rohit Sharma, and were dismissed for 251 in 47.3 overs.
Kohli struck 10 boundaries from 104 balls, and Sharma hit two fours and one six from 72 deliveries in a 110-run stand for the second wicket, propping up the Indians after they were sent in to bat on a hard, bouncy pitch, and stumbled to 79 for three in the 17th over.
When Kohli was run out in, failing to beat Ramnaresh Sarwan's throw to wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh Jr going for a second run, the visitors batting collapsed under purposeful West Indies bowling.
India lost their last seven wickets for 62 in the space of 70 deliveries, as Andre Russell, playing his first international match for West Indies on home soil, captured four for 35 from 8.3 overs that earned him the man-of-the-match award.
Kieron Pollard took two for 39 from eight overs, and Kemar Roach two for 52 from his allotment of 10 overs to support Russell in the demolition of the Indian batting.
They will now meet in the first of three Tests, starting on Monday at the same venue.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 18th, 2011.
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