Kohli And Shami Star As Clinical India Hands Windies A Drubbing

Dhoni’s half-century and Pandya’s cameo propel India to 268 for seven, before an exceptional bowling effort completes the job for the Men in Blue

- K.C. Vijaya Kumar

Bollywood numbers were a recurrent chorus and vocal chords found fresh life through unbridled enthusiasm as a packed Old Trafford heaved with a vast majority of Indian fans. There was much to cheer for the boisterous audience while Virat Kohli’s men extended their unbeaten run in this World Cup.

After scoring 268 for seven against the West Indies here on Thursday, India bowled out the opposition for 143 in 34.2 overs and registered a 125-run victory.

India’s fifth triumph pushed its tally to 11 and a better net run-rate (+1.463) helped it go past New Zealand to the second slot and inch closer to a semifinal berth. The West Indies, though, found its tenuous dreams for a last-four finish dissipate.

Gayle fails

A Chris Gayle special was needed if the West Indies had to harbour hopes of a successful chase but the opener failed. The southpaw nearly chopped Mohammed Shami onto his stumps and when the spearhead dug it short, Gayle’s half-swat found Kedar Jadhav. Worse was to follow when Shai Hope was unable to thwart Shami’s excess inward movement.

The West Indies found respite through a 55-run partnership that Sunil Ambris and Nicholas Pooran scripted for the third wicket. But Hardik Pandya dismissed Ambris and Pooran followed suit as he chanced his arm against spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

The men from the Caribbean Islands were in trouble at 80 for four in the 21st over while illustrious predecessors like Clive Lloyd in the member’s stand and Michael Holding and Curtly Ambrose from the commentary boxes watched with a wistful look.