Inzy gambles, Windies get lucky

West Indies, who take on England at The Oval on Saturday in the climax of the 12-team event, also had to work hard on the Rose Bowl surface but cruised home with 21.5 overs left.

Ramnaresh Sarwan, the man of the match, top-scored with 56 not out.

Replacing Lara at the post-match awards ceremony, he said: “Brian is resting in the dressing room but don’t worry, he’s going to be fine (for the final). We were very surprised when they chose to bat.”

“We took a chance,” Inzamam said of the decision. “200 would have been a difficult total to chase but West Indies bowled really well.”

Lara’s side, on 76 for two in reply, looked well on their way to victory when Inzamam recalled Akhtar, who had produced several 150 kph deliveries in his opening salvo.

Lara appeared to lose sight of Akhtar’s second delivery, turned away and was struck on the side of the neck. Akhtar rushed up to try and help but Lara, who had made 31, remained on the ground for several minutes before being led off the pitch.

Pace bowler Dwayne Bravo, with two wickets and two run-outs, and occasional medium-pacer Wavell Hinds, with two wickets in four balls, instigated the collapse as the last seven batsmen fell for 31.

BRIEF SCORES

131 all out in 38.2 overs (Y Ha-meed 39; C Collymore 2/24, W Hinds 2/27, D Bravo 2/41) lost to West Indies: 132 for 3 in 28.1 overs (R Sarwan 56 n.o., B Lara 31 retired hurt; S Akhtar 2/18)