DLF Cup in Malaysia, 2006-07 (A/ I/ WI)

At Kuala Lumpur, September 20, 2006 (day/night). India won by 16 runs. India 4 pts. Toss: India.

India retained a chance of reaching the final with a bizarre, low-scoring victory over a West Indian side that was oddly selected - a half-fit Collymore was the only specialist bowler - and even more oddly employed, giving rise to speculation that West Indies might have been happy to lose and thus perhaps knock Australia out. Batting first on the dented pitch, India were soon battling, as Smith induced a series of edges. Tendulkar - unluckily run out when R. P. Singh's straight-drive was palmed into the stumps by the bowler Samuels - showed typical skill to reach the match's top score, adding 78 with the determined Harbhajan, but 162 looked insufficient against nine batsmen. Chanderpaul and Morton opened with a serene 44, but chaos ensued once they were parted. Bizarrely, Lara batted at No. 9, and entered with 67 still required. Hinds soon fell, ending a strokeless 57-ball innings, and although Lara took his side close, Harbhajan found Baugh's outside edge with a top-spinner, leaving last man Collymore exposed.

Man of the Match: Harbhajan Singh.