India vs West Indies – DLF Cup – 20 Sep, 2006

It happens only in Cricket – Expect the unexpected.

India won the toss and opted to bat. Top order as usual collapsed. At the end of 20 overs India were 78/6. Thankfully, Sachin and Harbhajan had a wonderful partnership. Unfortunately, Sachin got run out at 65 and India collapsed very soon. Final scores read 162 all out in 40 overs.

West Indies had a good start but after 10 overs wicket started trembling. WI were 63-6 at the end of 23rd over (India were 78/6 at the end of 20 overs ). Wickets kept falling at regular intervals until Lara came as 8th down. It was really shocking to see Lara playing in the lower order. After Lara’s entry, the ball started kissing the boundary rope very often.

It was really a close call, when the scores read 20 runs in 10 overs with two wickets remaining. But then Harbhajan and Sreesanth helped India to scalp the last two wickets thereby getting India’s first win in this tournament. India won by 16 runs. Harbhajan Singh (8-0-35-3) was adjudged Man of the Match for taking 3 crucial wickets.

Unfortunately, India could not get the extra point, so the points table looks (read Played – Win – Loss – Draw/No Result – Points):

• West Indies 4 – 2 – 2 – 0 – 10
• Australia 3 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 7
• India 3 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 6

For sure, India needs to win the last match against Australia on Sep 22, 2006.
Do share your valuable comments regarding this match.