England snatch victory as Lara exits
Lara was run out for 18 in his last international innings
Also In The News
|
Controversial billionaire Stan Kroenke has increased his stake in Arsenal to 12. |  |
Saturday, 21, Apr 2007 11:36
England came out on top in a thrilling conclusion to the Super Eights, winning by one wicket with one ball remaining in Bridgetown.
The two big losers of the round-robin stage of the World Cup found themselves facing a last-over decider. Stuart Broad needed one to tie and two to win in the match's climax.
In the event he managed to chip the ball safely in the air, allowing him and last man James Anderson to run the couple required for victory.
The result will be a comfort to departing England coach Duncan Fletcher, who finishes his England reign with a victory.
But the same cannot be said for West Indies legend Brian Lara, who bowed out head and shoulders above the rest of his plucky side.
He was denied a glorious ending when a terrible call from Marlon Samuels resulted in his run out during the Windies' innings for just 18.
By that stage the tournament-hosting side were well in the driving seat after an opening stand of 131 between Chris Gayle (79) and Devon Smith (61).
Although wickets fell steadily in the final 20 overs a strong foundation had been laid and the West Indies were able to post an impressive run-a-ball total of 300 all out.
In reply England got off to an impressive start, with Michael Vaughan reaching his half-century in impressive form.
The skipper eventually fell for 79 off 68 balls, but by that stage Kevin Pietersen was living up to his reputation with a bludgeoning century. His score held the innings together and it was thanks to him that England had any change of victory.
His departure, bowled by Jerome Taylor on exactly 100, meant England needed 32 to win with just 22 balls left.
By the last over that target had reduced to just four, but the wicket of Paul Nixon for a brave 38 in the second ball created the possibility of all four potential results.
In the event an easy leg bye helped Anderson to the non-striker's end, placing the pressure on Broad in the match's climax.