By Dexter Theodore
West Indies snatched victory from the jaws of defeat yesterday, May 20 when the second One Day International came to a thrilling end at Sabina Park in Jamaica.
India had won the toss and sent the West Indies in to take first knock, hoping no doubt to extend their record-breaking 17-match winning record when batting second. It looked like an Indian victory was a foregone conclusion after the West Indies struggled to a paltry 198 for 9 with Ramnaresh Sarwan's 98 not out being the only innings of note.
It was clear to everyone that the West Indies would have to bowl out India as they would obviously get the runs if they batted their full quota of 50 overs. When skipper Dravid, basher Sehwag, and the dangerous Kaif were all dismissed cheaply, West Indian fans dared to hope. With India tottering at 134 for 7 the West Indies appeared to be in the driving seat, but Yuvraj Singh's recent form meant that no West Indian could breathe easily until he had been dismissed. He and Ramesh Powar added 43 for the eighth wicket and the match was swinging back in favour of India. But the West Indies struck back decisively to reduce India to 188 for 9 going into the final over, with Yuvraj off strike.
Lara entrusted allrounder Bravo with the job of bowling the last over. His first task was to keep Yuvraj away from the strike. No such luck. Yuvraj won the strike easily and edged the second ball of the over past the keeper for four, then followed that with another more convincing boundary. The pendulum had swung once more. India needed a mere 2 runs from the last three balls.
The television commentator, Tony Cozier said that the West Indies had to get Yuvraj out with the next delivery. Talk about understatements! Emboldened by this pronouncement I tossed aside years of disappointment, and from my armchair hundreds of miles away from the action I weighed the options, and as Bravo made his way to the top of his bowling mark, I had the answer. I said aloud to my doubting nephew, “A slower one”.
Bravo ran up, bowled a slower ball, and Yuvraj, deceived by the change of pace, mistimed his stroke and was spectacularly bowled for 93. Match over! West Indies had won by 1 run!
