Match 17, England v West Indies ICC Champions Trophy, 2006-07

Almanack home 2007 home

At Ahmedabad, October 28, 2006 (day/night). England won by three wickets. England 2 pts. Toss: West Indies.

West Indies, their semi-final place secure, failed to get enough runs on a good pitch, although centuries from Gayle and Bravo were a rarity in the low-scoring group games. England replaced Harmison with Lewis, while Flintoff bowled for the first time since his ankle operation in July. West Indies had 144 for one after 30 overs, but the subsequent acceleration was modest rather than flamboyant. In their previous match Lara's men had almost paid for their circumspection, and this time they did. Strauss and Bell started convincingly, until the introduction of Gayle's deceptive off-spin, coupled with the run-out of Bell, signalled another dip to 180 for five. This time it proved a stumble rather than a stagger, thanks to Pietersen, demoted from No. 3 to finisher. His undefeated 90, which included an outrageous six over long-off on one knee off Bravo, guided England home - although, since they already knew they were out of the competition, to no great joy. It was the 14th time a team had lost a one-day international after scoring two individual centuries. Bravo, who seemed to pick up a catch on the half-volley to send back Yardy, emerged unscathed from an ICC investigation, saying he thought he had taken the ball cleanly.

Man of the Match: C. H. Gayle.

© John Wisden & Co.

Matches

England v West Indies at Ahmedabad

Series/Tournaments

ICC Champions Trophy

Teams

Australia

Bangladesh

England

India

New Zealand

Pakistan

South Africa

Sri Lanka

West Indies

Zimbabwe