India took on West Indies at Johannesburg in their last group stage match of the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy knowing that even a big win might not be enough for them to progress further.
Indian skipper MS Dhoni won the toss and wanted his bowlers to make first use of the wicket. Luckily for him, they did not disappoint. Ashish Nehra and Praveen Kumar put on an excellent display of fast bowling as they picked up three wickets inside the first eight overs. The Indian bowlers continued the good work, taking wickets at regular intervals and dominating even in the Batting Power Play overs. The West Indies were eventually bowled out for just 129 in 36 overs putting India well ahead on the Castrol Index as they went into the break finishing with a Bowling Efficiency of 105.
Soon after India came out to bat, Australia had completed their win over Pakistan at Centurion and the Indians knew they were only playing for pride.
The West Indies made a good start with the ball and picked up two quick wickets and it looked like there were more surprises to come. But Dinesh Karthik and Virat Kohli added 92 runs for the third wicket and took the game away from the Caribbean team. India chased down the 130-run target with just over 17 overs to spare and seven wickets still intact – an emphatic finish to what has otherwise been a disappointing campaign for the Indians.
Virat Kohli was deservedly adjudged Man of the Match for his unbeaten 79 on a pitch which had something for the bowlers right till the end.
The tournament now heads into the semi-final stage. Defending champions Australia will take on England while Pakistan have to contend with an upbeat New Zealand. Do stay tuned to our Live Score Centre as we continue to bring you all the latest updates ball-by-ball in real time.
