Smith gutted to miss maiden ODI ton, again

West Indies opener Dwayne Smith was nearly able to see his side to victory in the second ODI against India, but he fell three runs short of his maiden ODI century and the Windies collapsed spectacularly.

India had posted a target of 264 to win, and the Windies got off to a great start in the chase. With Smith firing, they advanced to 170 for two in the 36th over and looked set, but when he was out for 97, the wheels fell off and they were all out for 215.

Smith, who has seven ODI fifties in 93 games, said after the match: “I’m disappointed. I worked really hard during the CPL and since I came here to India, I really wanted to make my mark in this series.

“Tonight I was looking to bat all the way through and take the team to victory. Someone needed to bat to the end and see the game home but unfortunately I wasn’t able to complete the job.

“We came close tonight and victory, would have made it 2-0, so as a team we are disappointed. We have to give India credit. They bowled well and stuck to their plans.

“We know where we went wrong. We know we didn’t bat as well as we should have. But it’s 1-1 now in the series with three more matches to go.

“We are still well and truly in this series. We will look to come back and win the series. We have what it takes to win.”

With his IPL experience, Smith said he felt confident of doing well in Delhi, adding: “I went to the nets and changed a few things for this pitch. I have played here close to 10 times so I know how this pitch plays.

“It’s not a bad pitch but you have to be watchful and know your scoring areas. You have to really settle yourself and pace your innings on this pitch. You have to look to get on the front foot and back your technique.”