India level the series 1-1 after late collapse by West Indies at Delhi
What promised to be a run feast at Ferozeshah Kotla turned out to be a scintillating thriller. West Indies lost their final 8 wickets for a mere 45 runs and India came back impressively, scripting a complete turnaround when they were staring down the barrel at one point of time.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, MS Dhoni's men didn't have a great start, losing both the openers for 50 runs. There was early swing and Jerome Taylor made the full use of the opportunity.
The West Indians showed why they are one of the best fielding sides in the world. They saved as many as 20 runs in the field today but on the other hand, few extras were given too. The Indians made one change in their batting order, promoting Ambati Rayudu and sending Virat at No. 4. Though Virat didn't look at best of his form, he looked to stay at the crease for a longer time and scored a slow but a steady 62.
Suresh Raina complemented him well and scored run a ball 62 and bailed India out of a pressure situation where a couple of wickets would have cost them the match.
The 105-run partnership between Raina and Virat was made in quick time and the sticky period between 21-35 overs was seen through beautifully by both of them. At that time, India looked like they would score 300 quite easily with both Raina and Virat settled down quite nicely. But losing Raina in the powerplay was a big negative for Team India.The love story between the final overs and MS Dhoni continued as he smashed a quickfire 50 which helped India to reach a competitive total of 263.
It could have been a much bigger total, but West Indian bowlers used the slower ball brilliantly, not giving any pace for Indian batsmen to work with.
The Windies' innings, on the other hand, was contrasting to that of India's. They had a good start and the base for an easy chase was laid by the openers. The West Indies team also surprised by sending Pollard up the order.
In the middle overs, Dwayne Smith and Pollard looked like they were getting away with the game as both Jadeja and Mishra did not look threatening. But after he sent Pollard back to the pavilion, Mishra looked totally like a different bowler.
He bowled two maidens in a trot putting immense pressure on the in form Samuels who couldn't bring his form from Kochi to Delhi. But the turning point of the match was when Shami bowled Smith for 97, from where the Windies never looked like taking off.
A spectacular collapse ensued. From 170/2, West Indies lost 8 wickets for just 45 runs, and Jadeja and Shami wrapped up the tail.
Rampaul showed glimpses of his ability with the bat but by then it was too late. India won the second match by 48 runs and levelled the 5 match series 1-1. Shami won the man of the match for his career best 4-36 in 9.3 overs.