WI win series, defeat India by six wickets

Port of Spain, May 27 (UNI) Brian Lara (69) led from the front as the West Indies defeated an out of sorts India by six wickets in the fourth one day match here to take a winning 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

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 (61), romped home with six wickets and as many overs intact.

Chris Gayle began 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 Sreesanth over midwicket for a towering six.

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

Back-to-back man of the match winner Ramnaresh Sarwan walked to a standing ovation but his stay this match was short lived. 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 in stepped Brian Lara and the skipper steadied the ship by 42 runs with Gayle before the opener departed for 46.

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

At 91 for 3, India still had a chance but Lara had other plans.

The southpaw found good company in Dwayne Bravo who batted to his full potential.

After spending few overs at the crease Lara found his silken touch and 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.

In the offie's next over Lara again found gap on the on-side for four and followed it by six over long on.

By this time less than 50 runs were required to win from 12 overs and seven wickets were remaining. But didn't stay there to finish the things. Dravid replaced Harbhajan with Powar and the stocky spinner lulled Lara into a false shot that skied way up at mid off to land in the safe hands of Raina.

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