Hooper BARODA, (Reuters):
WEST INDIES captain Carl Hooper said his side's five-wicket victory in the fifth one-day international against India yesterday was virtually sealed at the end of the 15th over.
"After what (Chris) Gayle and (Wavell) Hinds did in the first 15 overs, a win was always on the cards," Hooper told reporters. "They set things up perfectly for us."
Hinds (80) and Gayle (101) smashed 132 runs in just 16.2 overs as the visitors successfully chased India's 290 for eight off 48 overs to grab a 3-2 lead in the seven-match series.
"Gayle has been batting brilliantly all through this series and he did a good job again today," Hooper said. "It was great to see Wavell come with a solid knock that gave us the initiative."
Hinds, who was named man of the match for his 61-ball innings that included 10 fours and five sixes, said he realised he and Gayle had to get a flying start.
"I thought Chris and I needed to get a fantastic start," said Hinds. "We never set ourselves a target (and) decided to play over by over, but luckily things worked out great in the end."
Indian captain Saurav Ganguly blamed his team's poor bowling for the defeat but also praised the West Indian openers.
"I thought 290 was a good score to defend but we gave away too many runs in the first 15 overs," Ganguly said.
"We didn't bowl well but West Indies batted really well and didn't allow us to pick wickets at regular intervals."
Ganguly said his team were determined to play more aggressively in the final two games in Jodhpur (November 21) and Vijaywada (November 24).
"We are one down but there are two games to go. It's still anybody's series," Ganguly said.
"We have to get out act together in Jodhpur and put up a much better performance."
Hooper, however, has other ideas.
"I know India will come back hard, but it'll be great to close out the series in Jodhpur," he said.
"We're going to be ready for them."
