India ease to victory over West Indies

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PORT OF SPAIN: Half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Parthiv Patel followed up Amit Mishra's career-best bowling to lead India to a seven-wicket victory over West Indies in the rain-affected second One-day International on Wednesday.

Kohli struck six fours and one six in 81 from 103 balls to earn the Man-of-the-Match award, and Patel made 56 from 64 deliveries, as the Indians, chasing a revised target of 183 from 37 overs due to rain, reached their target with 20 balls remaining.

India captain Suresh Raina clinched victory, when he steered a delivery from Ravi Rampaul wide of point for two runs.

India now lead the five-match series 2-0, following a four-wicket victory in the first ODI two days ago at the same venue.

Mishra had upstaged half-centuries from Lendl Simmons and Ramnaresh Sarwan, triggering a batting collapse with a career-best spell, as West Indies posted 240 for nine from their allocation of 50 overs.

Mishra captured four for 31 from his allotment of 10 overs, while
Munaf Patel bagged three for 35.

India suffered an early setback, when Shikhar Dhawan was caught at square cover off Ravi Rampaul for three in the third over.

But a second wicket stand of 120 between Kohli and Patel put India firmly on track, enduring two stoppages for rain.

Earlier, India were on the back-foot, when West Indies benefitted from three straight half-century stands.

Sarwan's 56 off 90 balls was the top score, and Simmons' supported with 53 from 84 deliveries.But five wickets - three to Mishra - fell for 22 in the space of 47 deliveries before Sammy struck one four and two sixes in 22 from 19 balls to push West Indies to a respectable total.

The third ODI will be played on June 11 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua.