Friday, July 3, 2009

India pip Windies to lead series

Third one-day international, St Lucia:
India 159-4 beat West Indies 186-7 by six wickets (D/L method)

Match scorecard


Gautam Gambhir (right) and Denesh Ramdin
Gambhir struck 44 from 38 balls for India

India took a 2-1 lead with one game left in their one-day series against West Indies courtesy of a thrilling six-wicket victory in rainy St Lucia.

Rain delayed the start and interrupted play no fewer than four times, but Ramnaresh Sarwan top-scored as the hosts made 186-7 from 27 overs.

Set 159 to win from 22 overs, openers Dinesh Karthik (47) and Gautam Gambhir (44) added 84 for the first wicket.

Skipper Mahendra Dhoni (46 not out) saw India home with one ball remaining.

Dhoni's knock came from only 34 balls, but it was left to Yusuf Pathan to steer the penultimate ball of the innings, bowled by Jerome Taylor, for a single to win the game.

606: DEBATE

India have only beaten West Indies once in their last five one-day series in the Caribbean.

The visitors won the opening fixture by 20 runs before the home side bounced back to win the next by eight wickets.

India can make sure of the series if they avoid defeat in Sunday's fourth and final ODI, also being played in St Lucia.

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