India vs West Indies, 2nd ODI at Cuttack, , Jan 24 2007 - Ball by Ball Commentary

India win by 20 runs after being shot out for 189. A good bowling effort from the opening bowlers, Agarkar and Zaheer, and some stifling stuff from the spinners in the middle and end overs, of which Powar was the pick with 3 for 42, wrapped up West Indies for 169. The Indians go into their huddle, engulfed by a sea of khakhi-clad policemen with a rope, who enjoy their own huddle around the side. Now they're all escorted off the field, smiles all around.

So India won the toss and chose to bat, and didnt get off to a good start at all. Daren Powell took 4 for 27 in a single, miserly ten-over spell as West Indies bowled India out cheaply, with only Karthik and Agarkar offering much resistance. Karthik (63) and Agarkar (40) put on 62 for the eight wicket, which proved invaluable in the end.

The bowling clicked, with Gayle going cheaply and wickets falling at regular intervals. For West Indies, it was once again that man Chanderpaul who clung on with a determined 125-ball 67, but a lack of support does not augur well for this side with two matches left to salvage some pride.

It was a low-scoring game after the record-breaking run spree at Nagpur, but it was an enthralling, tense encounter. Good, aggressive cricket in the field from both sides mixed some poor strokeplay with the bat, and Chanderpaul and Karthik showed that waiting for the ball and rotating the strike were key to scoring runs on a pitch of variable bounce.

A sombre Gayle comes forward and praises his bowlers for an excellent display and Chanderpaul for his batting, but laments the lack of back-up support to the lead actor. Dravid comes up to the podium and tells Arun Lal that winning another game is great, especially against West Indies, and he singles out Karthik and Agarkar, and the bowlers. He admits it wasnt the greatest track to play on, but observes that everyone knew their roles and that it was a unified win. Karthik picks up the Man-of-the-Match award for his 87-ball 63, a great resurrection act, and he'd doused in water and Gatorade as he collects his cheque and little trophy. Arun Lal slips up and refers to him as Dinesh Mongia! All is well, and a soaked Karthik beams as he expresses his satisfaction at chipping in with another good effort his side, especially since he's far from a regular in the side. He praises Agarkar for his cool head and ability to capitalise on bad balls.

Well, thats all we have for you tonight, folks. The next match is on Saturday, January 27 at Chennai, so do join us then as we bring all the action to you live. It will be Sriram Veera and Sajan Nair with the ball-by-ball commentary, as I'll be at the ground reporting, so join them for a smashing time and some witty comments. Until next time, this is Jamie Alter signing off with a hearty cheers and good night.

Taylor to face. 23 needed from 18. Tendulkar bowls on. What scenes at Cuttack.

Last man Jerome Taylor joins Chanderpaul, who's been involved in two bad run outs tonight.

Back to Chanderpaul. What a player. Can he do it tonight?

Long discussion between bowler, captain, and vice-captain, Tendulkar. Zaheer now brings his men in. Hmmm.

27 to get from 24 balls. Dravid turns to Zaheer Khan for some left-arm pace instead of Agarkar. Chanderpaul to face. The crowd is alive. Chanders surveys the field with a steely, unfazed gaze. No slip.

Out strides a robust Daren Powell with a smile on his face. A very wide slip comes on now.

West Indies eight down now

Tendulkar continues. He has four left.