Lara on song, West Indies beat India by 6 wickets to seal series

Port of Spain, May 27 (UNI) A majestic Brian Lara (69) and his comrade-in-arms Dwayne Bravo (61 not out) engineered an emphatic six-wicket win against a lacklustre India as the West Indies romped to an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series at the Queen's Park Oval here.

Trailing 0-1 after losing the opener, the hosts bounced back with three wins on a trot to seal the series. The final one dayer is scheduled at the same venue tomorrow.

In the process, the hosts stopped the Indian juggernaut from rolling to a fifth straight series win.

Chasing a target of 218 in 50 overs, West Indies, courtesy half centuries by skipper Lara and Dyawne Bravo, romped home with six wickets and as many overs intact.

Chris Gayle began the chase in style for the West Indies. The tall and imposing opener hit a scorching drive in the extra cover region to set the ball rolling. His biggest shot came in the fourth over when he came down the track and lofted S Sreesanth over midwicket for a towering six.

Defending a rather modest target and facing fiery Gayle, India looked like losing the plot. However, Irfan Pathan gave the visitors a ray of hope by trapping Marlon Samuels (9) in front of the wicket when the West Indian scorecard read 28.

Back-to-back Man of the Match winner Ramnaresh Sarwan walked to a standing ovation but his stay in this match was shortlived. Ajit Agarkar, who came as first change, struck in his very first over when Sarwan miscued a pull to square leg and was out for six.

At 49 for two, the hosts seemed to be in a tight spot but then stepped in Lara and the skipper steadied the ship by putting on 42 runs with Gayle before the opener departed for 46.

Gayle tried to raise his fifty by lofting Ramesh Powar over mid wicket but couldn't clear the outfield as Agarkar took a well judged catch.

At 91 for three, India still had a chance but Lara had other plans. The southpaw found good company in Bravo who batted to his full potential.

After spending few overs at the crease, Lara found his silken touch and the ball incessantly weaved through the fielders for the ropes. Lara played Harbhajan Singh on the one side boundary for his fifty. He was particularly severe on the Tubanator.

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