Windies v India, 4th ODI Review: India falter in 189 chase

Eccentricity was in the air even before the first ball was bowled at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, and the conclusion to the fourth ODI was the strangest of them all. India, a team which had put on two consecutive 100-run partnerships in this series already, found themselves struggling to score runs whatsoever. The Indians’ bats were stifled, especially towards the latter half of the innings. Jason Holder led by example with a five-for to record one of the most unexpected victories the Windies will ever see. As far as the hosts are concerned, the series is still alive.

A majority of the Windies first innings bore uncanny resemblance to their blotched chase in the third one-dayer. The Windies’ lack of intent was once again highlighted in their strike rates; save skipper Holder who scored 11 off 10, the rest of the batsmen did not strike above 72.

The issue with the Windies was with the top 5, who weren’t able to convert even one start after having crawled to the 20s and 30s. Both openers top-scored for the hosts with 35 runs, consuming more than 20 overs among themselves. The trend continued with Shai Hope, Roston Chase and Jason Mohammed. Their languid stays at the crease made the crowd believe they were watching a Test match with colored clothing. The Windies tail wasn’t able to wag either, and they finished with 189 at the halfway mark.

India’s bowlers set up a sure victory

Making an ODI comeback after the 2015 World Cup, Mohammad Shami went wicketless. His two maidens, however, put considerable pressure on the Windies batsmen, which had a marked effect on their final total. Hardik Pandya’s off-cutters and cross-seamers rewarded him with 3 wickets, and the Yadavs bagged five among themselves. There was nothing wrong with the Indian bowling performance, but who was to say they’d falter in their batting, which we know well is their strength.

It goes without saying that this Antigua track was a tad bit easier to bat on than the one which was used a couple of days back. However, the Indians did not seem to take note of this fact. They began to replicate their start in the third ODI, losing Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli inside the first Powerplay. Kohli’s Caribbean outing seems to have gotten worse as he failed to get to double figures this time.

By the same token, Ajinkya Rahane plodded on with his innings at a strike rate hovering around 65 but fetched 60 runs for his side nonetheless. Dinesh Karthik’s uninteresting 19 ball-innings ended with a wild pull that was caught safely by a smiling wicketkeeper. India weren’t in too much trouble when Rahane was dismissed though. Along with MS Dhoni, he’d put on a 54-run stand, one that ate away 19 overs. With that many left in the chase, India were still 88 arrears, with the likes of Kedar Jadhav and Hardik Pandya yet to come.

The Windies snatch victory from nowhere

Dhoni, however, did not get a move-on. Meanwhile, Jadhav and Pandya departed without having made a sizable contribution. The equation at the end of 45 overs put on a worrisome look. India needed 30 off 30, which by itself is not a demanding task, but in the context of the game was.

Ravindra Jadeja’s capacity as a batsman seems to have dwindled completely as he failed to stand his ground alongside his former captain. Jadeja was India’s last recognized batsman in the line-up, and the onus was now entirely on Dhoni to take his team over the finish line. But to India’s utter dismay, Dhoni’s innings bit the dust with an over remaining in the game.

Needing 14 off the last 6 deliveries, Dhoni watched vacantly from the dugout as the final over unfolded. The glum and dejected man had not unstrapped his pads. As expected, Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Shami fell in an effort to slog, leaving India 11 runs away from the target. An anticlimactic game as far as India are concerned.

Critics pounced on Dhoni in particular. His ability to finish matches was questioned along with his tardiness at the crease. Not many would have expected him to play 114-ball 54 while chasing 189, especially on the back of a near run-a-ball 78. Towards the end of the game, the Bevan-style rotation wasn’t seen. India’s batsmen showed undue respect to the Windies bowlers, who were essentially gifted wickets in the final 5 overs. The hosts can still square the series, which will be nothing short of a victory for them. As both teams head to Kingston, they’ll be thinking ‘final’ in their heads.

Brief scores

Windies – 189/9 (50) Evin Lewis – 35(60), Umesh Yadav – 3/36 (10)

India – 178/10 (49.4) Ajinkya Rahane – 60(91), Jason Holder – 5/27 (9.4)

Windies won by 11 runs