A shock West Indies win over Australia put India in a do-or-die situation, requiring it to win both its remaining matches against these two teams to make it to the final of the cricket tri-series.
The West Indies survived a typical middle order collapse to pull off a three-wicket victory against Australia in a round-robin league match and assured themselves of a berth in the final on September 24.
Chasing a target of 273, the Caribbeans were cruising at 242 for three before they lost four wickets for 13 runs to give the three-time World Champions a glimmer of hope.
But all-rounder Dwayne Bravo (37 no) and wicketkeeper-batsman Carlton Baugh Jr. (7 no) kept their nerves to see their team home with 16 balls to spare in the day-night clash at Kinrara Oval.
The win gave four points to the West Indies and pushed their tally to nine from three matches, which would assure them of a final berth irrespective of the results in the remaining two matches.
The West Indies victory is bound to put more pressure on Rahul Dravid and his men who have just two point to their credit from as many matches.
{{/usCountry}}The West Indies victory is bound to put more pressure on Rahul Dravid and his men who have just two point to their credit from as many matches.
{{/usCountry}}Australia, with 7 points from three matches, also need to win their last league engagement against India on Sep 22.
The Caribbeans owed their win to opener Chris Gayle who made a well paced 79 and captain Brian Lara who hit an accomplished 87.
The duo put on 151 runs for the third-wicket stand before the Aussies fought their way back with some spirited bowling and fielding.