Kotla Test: India star in their third biggest run-chase

Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman batted well on day four as India beat West Indies by 5 wickets in the first Test on Wednesday.

Zeenews Sports Bureau

New Delhi: Sachin Tendulkar missed out on a century yet again but helped India pull off a thrilling win after conceding first innings lead against West Indies in the first Test. This is India's third highest run chase ever and it was this fact that made a victory after six Tests even sweeter. Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, both scoring half centuries, batted well on day four to register the second-highest successful run chase for India at home. Scorecard: IND Vs WI » Sadly, the wait for Sachin Tendulkar’s 100th century will continue as he fell short of his 100th international century. The master blaster had to content with a 76 who got out while trying for a pull off Devendra Bishoo’s short length ball. Tendulkar 62nd Test half century included five boundaries. However, Laxman played his part beautifully by scoring a half century. Chasing a target of 276 runs in the first Test at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in New Delhi, Sachin looked pretty and was on course to complete his milestone after slamming a classy fifty in the first session Wednesday. India resumed the fourth day needing 124 runs to win but lost the wicket of Rahul Dravid early after a Fidel Edwards delivery uprooted his stumps. He added just one run to his overnight score. But Dravid’s departure hardly affected India’s run chase and with the arrival of VVS Laxman it looked easier. He joined master blaster and scored some quick runs. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had a memorable day claiming a 6-for on Tuesday. His match haul of nine for 128 helped him become only the third player to win the Man of the Match award on debut. Ashwin also became the second player from India after Narendra Hirwani to take a 5 wicket haul on debut. Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar etched his name in the record books yet again as he became the only player in the history to cross 15,000 Test runs. He, along with Rahul Dravid, had held the fort for India on a tricky day as India finished Day 3 with 152 on board with the loss of two wickets. Day 3 belonged to India overall with Indian bowlers taking charge in the first session picking up 5 Windies wickets for just 88 runs. However, West Indies did have their moments as well with captain Darren Sammy bludgeoning the Indian pacers en route to his quickfire 42. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who has been by far the best batsmen on display from either side pitched in with a handy 47. In the final session, Dravid and Sachin ensured that there were no hiccups after the fall of Sehwag as both the veterans played out Day 3 of the Kotla Test. Earlier, Darren Sammy provided the most vital breakthrough for West Indies with the wicket of Virender Sehwag. The charismatic opener was bowled by Sammy after an enterprising run a ball 55. Virender Sehwag had earlier set aside the Kotla demons to score an enterprising 50 to boost the Indian run chase. Gautam Gambhir perished after a knock of 22 but Sehwag maintained a high run-rate in chase of 276. The second Test is in Kolkata and starts from November 14.