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Match
Report by Krish Srikkanth
Ahmedabad, Oct 26: India were today in real danger of being knocked out of the Champions Trophy after a heart-breaking three-wicket defeat at the hands of title holders West Indies who became the second team to qualify for the semi-finals.
The Caribbeans first restricted India to a modest 223 for nine and then managed to overhaul the target with just two balls to spare in a thrilling floodlit Group A contest which went down to the wire.
The West Indies were cruising along comfortably at 212 for three before the home team staged a valiant fightback by scalping four wickets in the last five overs to raise hopes of a miraculous escape.
But, with four runs required off the last three balls, middle order batsman Marlon Samuels smashed a wide delivery from Ajit Agarkar to the point fence to see the Caribbeans through much to the dismay of the vociferous home crowd at the Sardar Patel Gujarat stadium.
The Indians will now take on the mighty Australians against whom they face a must-win situation to keep themselves alive in the high-profile tournament, a task which appears extremely daunting considering their form.
The West Indians have garnered four points from two matches so far while India and Australia have two points each from as many matches. The last league match between the hosts and Australia will determine the second semi-finalists from the Group A.
Scorecard
(Agencies)
Match
Report by Krish Srikkanth
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