Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Dravid scores century to redeem India !




Dravid scored his 32nd century to redeem his country. Just imagine. Amit Mishra with 28 was the next top scorer ! Showed to what abysmal depths Indian batting had sunk.

Mishra with 28 provided the much needed support to Dravid. Then Darren Sammy struck twice to make India reel at 183/8. Sammy's incutter trapped Bajij lbw and then the WI captain clean bowled Praveen Kumar. Dravid was the last man to get out, when he tried to hit Bishoo for six. Bishoo and Sammy took four wickets each and Edwards and Rampaul got one wicket each.

India went into lunch at 166/6, having lost Raina for 26 and Dhoni for 16. Both were removed by Bishoo, who bowled superbly even with a sore knee. Raina and Dravid were involved in a 48 run stand, after the early loss of Virat Kohli. India received an early jolt when Kohli was caught behind off Edwards for 15. The ball, going down the leg side, kissed Kohli's bat and set into the hands of Baugh. Raina tried to sweep Bishoo and perished. Dhoni hit Bishoo for a four and a six, but perished trying to hit Bishoo.

Chasing 326 to win, the Carribeans were 80/3, when Darren Bravo (30) was joined by Chanderpaul (24) and their unbeaten 51 run partnership took WI to 131/3. Earlier Barath and Simmons gave WI a rousing start, hitting 50 off 9.1 overs. Both Sharma and Kumar were punished by this duo and they were hit for three sixes and six fours in the first ten overs !

After surviving a scare on the 3rd ball of Praveen's sixth over, Barath fell driving the swerving ball into the hands of Raina ! Sarwan was removed by Sharma for the second time. He was caught magnificently by Kohli.

Simmons was beaten and bowled by Sharma and WI were in the doldrums at 80/3, but then Chanderpaul and Darren Bravo has redeemed them somewhat. Still the match is interestingly poised, with slight Advantage India, but anything can happen, as cricket is a game of grand vicissitudes.

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