World champions India were trumped by half-centuries from Darren Bravo and Ramnaresh Sarwan that guided West Indies to a second consolation victory in the final One-day International on Thursday.
The Indian bowlers conceded 96 inside the last 10.4 overs, as West Indies, in pursuit of 252 for victory, hit the jackpot with 14 balls remaining.
India appeared to be in control of the match, despite a career-best 86 from Darren Bravo and 75 retired hurt from Ramnaresh Sarwan. But they failed to maintain the pressure in the closing overs, and Kieron Pollard formalised the result, when he dragged a delivery from Ishant Sharma through mid-on for four.
“Credit to our bowlers, the way they got us back into the match because at one stage it looked like we would chase something much bigger, but Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard gave us a few key breakthroughs, and it was good to see how we were able to pull things back,” said West Indies captain Darren Sammy.
India won the five-match series 3-2, having won the first three ODIs. They had failed to build on 94 from Virat Kohli and 57 from Rohit Sharma, and were dismissed for 251 in 47.3 overs.
Kohli struck 10 boundaries from 104 balls, and Sharma hit two fours and one six from 72 deliveries in a 110-run stand for the second wicket, propping up the Indians after they were sent in to bat on a hard, bouncy Sabina Park pitch, and stumbled to 79 for three in the 17th over.
“It was a disappointing end to the series for us,” said India captain Suresh Raina. “But they played really well in the last two matches. Now that we have formally won the series, I still think it is important for us to enjoy the moment, and much credit must go to our bowlers, especially Amit Mishra, so I am really happy for the boys.” When Kohli was run out in the 36th over, failing to beat Ramnaresh Sarwan’s throw to wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jr going for a second run, the visitors batting collapsed under mean, purposeful West Indies bowling.
The World champions lost their last seven wickets for 62 in the space of 70 deliveries, as Andre Russell, playing an international match for West Indies on home soil for the first time, captured four for 35 from 8.3 overs that later earned him the Man-of-the-Match award. Yusuf Pathan threatened to turn the tide for India, but Russell had him caught behind for 30 in the 46th over at the height of the carnage. Kieron Pollard took two for 39 from eight overs, and Kemar Roach two for 52 from his allotment of 10 overs to support Russell in the demolition of the Indian batting.
India restricted West Indies to 53 for two in the 16th over, when Sarwan joined Bravo at the crease.
The Indians failed to make further headway, when they got a bit of fortune, Sarwan forced to retire hurt with severe cramps after the 38th over. The visitors however, could not seize the moment, as Bravo took charge, hitting Mishra for a pair of sixes in his penultimate over, galloping West Indies to their target.
