Maharoof wrecks havoc, WI dismissed for lowest ever score of 80

Mumbai, Oct 14 (UNI) Fervez Maharoof ran through the West Indian line up taking a career best six for 14 as Sri Lanka dismissed the Carribean side for their lowest ever one-day score of 80 in the last qualifying match of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Brabourne stadium here today.

Sri Lanka now need only 81 runs to book a place in Group 'B' where they will battle it out with Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa for a place in the semis, while West Indies, who had also already qualified for the next stage would have to lock horns with India, England and Australia.

West Indies, who batted first on winning the toss, soon saw themselves on the backfoot as Chaminda Vaas removed the in-form Chris Gayle with Kumar Sangakkara taking a superb catch low down to his left on just the fourth ball of the match. The next ball, Vaas trapped Ramnaresh Sarwan in front, but umpire Asad Rauf gave the benefit of doubt to the batsman.

At the other end, Shivnaraine Chanderpaul started confidently as he hit two boundaries from the first over of Lasith Malinga. However, Vaas, bowling with great purpose, trapped Sarwan once again plumb in front, this time getting the umpires nod to reduce West Indies to 12 for two.

One run later, West Indies were pushed further against the wall when Lasith Malinga inducing an edge from Chanderpaul for Sangakkara to accept a routine catch. Chanderpaul made eight.

Lara and Hinds began the rebuilding exercise, but neither batsman found it easy. Lara needed 12 balls to get off the mark, and was extremely lucky to survive an LBW shout when he was trapped in front by Vaas. He then looked to be finding his touch when he essayed a majestic cover drive off Malinga and then flicked Maharoof to the square leg boundary.

However, umpire Asad Rauf raised his finger when Lara was trapped in front of the wicket as Maharoof got one to straighten after pitching it on the off. It was Maharoof's first strike of the day, and after that he was unstoppable.

Pitching it perfectly on good length, he managed to seam the ball both ways, and was especially effective with the legcutters, getting the ball to grip and bounce from the abrasive surface.

Maharoof had Dwayne Bravo flicking too early to trap him in front and then had Marlon Samuels chopping one onto his stumps, while Dwayne Smith drove tamely to mid-on.

Through all the mayhem at the other end, Wavell Hinds battled hard, never entirely in control but still attempting to break the shackles with the odd powerful cover-drive. He fought his way to 28, before miscuing one to cover. His was the ninth wicket to fall, and the end came soon after.

UNI