Captain Sehwag delighted by Kohli, Rohit

Credits batsmen for helping take 2-0 lead against West Indies.

VISAKHAPATNAM:

India captain Virender Sehwag heaped praise on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as the two batsmen helped register a convincing five-wicket win over West Indies in the second One-Day International (ODI) and take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Kohli smashed 117 to power India's run-chase of a competitive 269 as West Indies faltered yet again despite Ravi Rampaul's unbeaten 86. Sehwag was pleased by the show put up by Sharma (90) and Kohli after the hosts had been reduced to 84 for three.

"They batted maturely as if they've played 200 matches between them," said Sehwag.  "I'm especially happy with Sharma's performance. He promised that he would finish the game and he did just that."

Earlier, Rampaul cracked the highest score by a number 10 and shared a 99-run last-wicket stand with Kemar Roach (24) to help West Indies recover from 170 for nine. West Indies captain Darren Sammy acknowledged the tail-enders' effort.

"That stand gave us inspiration," he said. "It shows the fight in this team. We just can't get over the line though." 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2011.