India set 305 run target for England
CARDIFF: Young Virat Kohli and the experienced Rahul Dravid raised India's hope of a lone win in England by powering the team to a mammoth 304 for six in 50 overs in the fifth and the final ODI here Friday.
Kohli struck 107, his sixth ODI ton, in just 87 balls while Dravid, playing in his 344th and final ODI, made 69 off 79 balls as India recovered after a slow start after asked to bat at Sophia Gardens.
Dravid got a standing ovation after being bowled by Graeme Swann as India piled on the agony for England's bowlers late on, with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni scoring an unbeaten 50 off just 26 balls.
India opener Ajinka Rahane (26) failed to make the most of the life that he got after Samit Patel spilled a straightforward catch. England, however, did not have long to wait long as Jade Dernbach removed Rahane caught brilliantly by Steven Finn to leave India 52-1.
Rahane's departure brought Dravid at the crease and the former India captain got a stirring ovation in his farewell match. India lost under quick wicket as Parthiv Patel holed out to mid-on in Swann's first over as the visitors slumped to 57 for two.
Dravid and Kohli then stitched a 170-run stand that swung the match back in India's favour. The 22-year-old Kohli hit the England bowlers attack to all corners of the ground hitting eight boundaries and one six. Kohli innings came to an end in the 44th over when he was out hit wicket off Swann to leave India on 236-4.
Dhoni struck a stylish half-century that was studded with five boundaries and two sixes and set England a 305-run target to win.
News Posted: 16 September, 2011
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