India pip England by 4 wkts to clinch ODI series;

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

Kochi, Apr 6 (UNI) Skipper Rahul Dravid struck a brilliant half century while Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan played valuable innings as India sealed the seven-match series defeating England by four wickets at the Nehru stadium here today.

In the process, India also erased West Indies' long-standing record of 14 consecutive wins while chasing.

However what the stats do not potray is how the hometeam made heavy weather of the target, surviving some nervous moments before securing the win.

India witnessed two mini collapses before reaching home with 16 balls to spare. After skipper Rahul Dravid hit a 73-ball 65, India lost three quick wickets, before the young brigade of Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina joined to take the home team close to the target.

A two-wicket burst by James Anderson towards the fag end raised England's hopes. But M S Dhoni ensured there were no further hiccups in India taking a winning 4-0 lead in the series.

Earlier, judicious utilisation of power play and tight bowling by the spinners helped India bowl out England for 237 in 48.4 overs, despite an attacking half century by Kevin Pietersen (77) and a late charge by Geriant Jones (49).

India surpassed the target scoring 238 for the loss of six wickets with 2.4 overs to spare. The win was also India's eighth on the trot wit their last defeat coming against Pakistan in Peshawar.

Chasing a none-too difficult target, openers Sehwag (26, 33b, 4x4) and Dravid (65, 73b,9x4) provided the initial thrust.

Dravid and Irfan Pathan (46, 56b, 6x4,1x6) consolidated the innings before India lost three wickets in quick succession.

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