West Indies beat India by 1 run in a nail biter!
Ramnaresh Sarwan produced a masterful innings and Dwayne Bravo bowled a moment of magic as West Indies pulled off an astonishing win by just one run on this day in 2006.
Sabina Park was rocking as Bravo bowled a clever slower ball which rattled the stumps of Yuvraj Singh. It was Bravo’s only wicket in India’s innings as the left-hander made 93. India were bowled out for 197 off 49.4 overs in reply to 198-9 off 50 overs, as Ian Bradshaw took three wickets with the new ball.
Earlier in the match Sarwan held the innings together with one of his best knocks – 98 not out off 138 balls with seven fours and a six. The next best score was 21 from wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh, playing in front his home supporters.
Sarwan was happy that his effort led to the team’s win.
I don't mind making 98 and winning all the time…I knew I needed to bat out the 50 overs. I was looking at somewhere around 230-250 when I went out to bat but things got difficult out there. The Indian bowlers all bowled well early on but things got easier after the 30-over mark.
Captain Brian Lara was thrilled with the result and revealed that it was Chris Gayle who suggested that Bravo bowl a slower ball, the delivery that sealed the match and sent the carnival crowd at Sabina Park into an absolute frenzy.
Bravo has a lot of variety in his bowling and I decided to give him the last over. Gayle suggested a slower ball might do the trick and we went for it. It required execution and Bravo is good at that,” said Lara.