Tendulkar misses 100th ton but India sail past Windies
Sachin Tendulkar's quest for a record 100th international ton continued, but India rode on his fluent 76 to script an admirable come-from-behind five-wicket victory over the West Indies with more than four sessions to spare here today.
November 09, 2011 / 14:06 IST
Sachin Tendulkar's quest for a record 100th international ton continued, but India rode on his fluent 76 to script an admirable come-from-behind five-wicket victory over the West Indies with more than four sessions to spare here today.
Chasing 276 for victory, VVS Laxman (58 not out) and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (0) were at the crease when India successfully completed the chase to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, on the fourth day of the match. Off-spinner R Ashwin, who took match haul of nine for 128, including six in the second innings, also played a big role in India's triumph as he became only the third player to win the man-of-the-match award on debut. Starting from his overnight score of 33, Tendulkar looked set to achieve the incredible feat of scoring his 100th international century till Devendra Bishoo spoilt his plan with a well-disguised googly, leaving over 10,000 spectators at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium stunned. The champion batsman faced 148 deliveries and spent 201 minutes, 93 of them today, during his stay at the crease. His knock was studded with 10 sweetly-timed hits to the fence. Resuming at 152 for two and needing another 124 runs to win with eight wickets in hand, India lost Rahul Dravid (31) early on the fourth day. But Tendulkar along with Laxman guided the hosts to 233 with a 71-run partnership before disaster struck some time before the lunch break. India were just 43 runs away from achieving a hard-fought come-from-behind victory and take a 1-0 lead, when Tendulkar made his way back to the dressing room, much to the disappointment of the crowd. But Laxman stood firm to guide the Indians with yet another half-century in the fourth innings of a match. He struck six boundaries and faced 105 balls. Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
