†INDIA v WEST INDIES 1987-88

At Nagpur, December 8. West Indies won by 10 runs. A match of fluctuating fortunes was marred by a controversial umpiring decision which brought about the dismissal of Vengsarkar. Umpire Mehra first turned down an appeal for a slip catch by Richards, whereupon the West Indies captain appealed to the square-leg umpire. When he indicated that he was unsighted and could not give a ruling, Richards's tantrum virtually coerced Mr Mehra into reversing his decision. West Indies, winning the toss, were given a good start by Greenidge and Haynes, but the latter's run-out triggered a collapse which reduced West Indies to 128 for seven. They were rescued by an aggressive partnership of 65 in nine overs between Hooper and Benjamin, whose 31 off 33 balls included three sixes. Undermined by Patterson, who took three wickets in each of his spells, India at 31 for five looked out of contention. They were revived by a heroic 87, off 64 balls, by Kapil Dev and his partnership of 113 with Shastri. Another collapse ensued, but a last-wicket stand between the fluent More and a determined Maninder Singh kept the game alive.

Man of the Match: B. P. Patterson.