Thaindian News

London, Sep 11 (IANS) Suresh Raina and Mahendra Singh Dhoni shared a blistering 169-run partnership for the fifth wicket to propel India to 280 for five against England in the fourth One-day International at Lord’s here Sunday.

Raina smashed 84 runs off 75 balls while theskipper struck 78 of 71 balls for his second consecutive fifty of the series. The two got together when India were struggling at 110 for four at the half-way stage but their brutal assault on the England bowlers in the last 13 overs produced 130 runs and took their side to a formidable total.

The visitors, put into bat, were off to a solid start with Ajinkya Rahane (38) and Parthiv Patel (27) being made to work hard for every run.

Both of them fell to Stuart Broad (2-52) while trying to push the scoring rate. Rahul Dravid (19) and Virat Kohli (16) took the mantle from 70 for two and batted sensibly before Grame Swann (2-49) removed them in his first over to turn the match in England’s favour.

With India being 110 for four in 26 overs, Dhoni and his deputy Raina were left with the job of resurrecting the innings. England were able to sustain the momentum as India could only score 30 runs in the next 10 overs.

But Dhoni and Raina stepped on the gas there after, using the extra pace of the English bowlers for a flurry of boundaries and sixes.

Raina completed his half-century by hitting a James Anderson delivery for a massive six over square-leg.

Dhoni’s good form in the series continued as he smacked three sixes and six fours in his 71-ball innings.