Dawn Pakistan's most widely circulated English language newspaper.

India restrict Windies to 229; maiden century by Williams

By Our Special Representative

17 December 1997


SHARJAH, Dec 16: Indian bowlers did a commendable job to restrict the West Indies to 229 for 6 in 50 overs in the last pool match of the Champions Trophy one-day cricket tournament here on Tuesday. They were well supported by an agile and sharp fielding.

Skipper Sachin Tendulkar did what was the most logical option after winning the toss: to put the West Indies to bat first. That way only he could set a target for his batsmen to chase to over come the better West Indies run rate, if India won the match and was tied up at 2 point to qualify for the final.

India made two changes in the side that lost to Pakistan. Venkad Parsad and Rahul Dravid came in place of Abey Kuruvilla and the out of form Robin Singh. West Indies played the same side that was beaten by England two days ago.

India had an early success when Philo Wallace, struggling for runs, was once again dismissed cheaply after making only 8 when the total was 22. Brian Lara and opener Stuart Williams put on 35 runs for the second wicket before the Indian struck again. Sachin Tendulkar brought in his spinners, Anil Kumble and Rajesh Chauhan after the fast bowlers had bowled 12 overs. Lara hit a huge six of a straight drive on the second ball of Kumble's first over, in which 14 runs came by. But Tendulkar's move paid of in the next over hwen Chauhan made Lara play an outgoing delivery in the safe hand of Kumble.

Even the consistent Carl Hooper, who joined Stuart was not as comfortable against the Indian spinners as he normally is. Hooper and Stuart went on to add 71 runs for the third wicket, the best of the West Indian innings. Hooper (38) fell to Ganguly, caught by Ajay Jadeja when the total was 124.

While wickets continued to fall at frequent intervals from one end, Stuart remained undaunted and went on to score his maiden century in one-day internationals. His 100 came off 147 balls and included 10 hits to the fence.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul who has made only 32 runs in the first two matches (16 each against England and Pakistan) seemed to have been jinxed by the figure 16. He was next to go at 164 giving Chauhan his second wicket of the match, who finished with the fine figures of 2 for 30 in 10 overs.

Phil Simmons joined Stuart Williams when 12 overs remained and was expected to go for some big hits. But he was also groping against Kumble and Chauhan, bowling their second spells. Simmons was cleaned bowled at 202.


Source: Dawn
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Date-stamped : 25 Feb1998 - 15:01