2nd ODI: England crushed by Raina

By Sam Hathaway
March 31 2006

A superb partnership between Suresh Raina and Mahendra Dhoni, helped India recover from 92 for five to win the game by four wickets. Raina's batting performance was a delight as his team were at one stage in Englands back pocket but came out as deserved winners.

The pairs 108-run partnership for the sixth wicket was as valuable as it was thrilling. Most of India’s fans knew beforehand of Raina’s batting ability. England witnessed some of his outstanding talent in the warm-up game to this series when he smashed 49 off 46 balls. However, the manner in which Raina went about rescuing India with a great display of clean hitting rarely seen by many young players - suggesting he has a long and successful future in the game.

He achieved his highest individual one-day international score as well as registering his maiden half-century at this level and not forgetting giving India a 2-0 lead in the series.

Mahendra Dhoni just two fours in making 38 from 55 balls, but his supporting role was crucial to India’s win. Raina and Dhoni were called upon after a flurry of rash shots saw India slip from the comfort of 61 without loss.

Ian Blackwell claimed 2-39 while Andrew Flintoff's 10 overs cost just 29 but this could not prevent defeat in his 100th one-day international.

On a pitch of little pace and bounce, Andrew Strauss adjusted his game very well to make a measured 61 off 85 balls. This was a relief for the left handed opener after his recent poor form.

If the left-hander’s innings was full of brilliant shot selection and immaculate placement, Kevin Pietersen also demonstrated admirable shot selection and patience in an entertaining 71. Kevin Pietersens 71 meant he was the joint quickest English man to get 1000 runs, this was a huge landmark for the attacking batsmen but was dampened by the final result. His captain declared his admiration for Pietersen;

“Kevin is a fine player,” said Flintoff. “We have seen that over a period of time.

“Today he showed a lot of maturity and ability in the way he played. He was unfortunate to get out when he did because it is easy to chip to midwicket on a pitch like that.”

Flintoff admitted that todays performance was an improvement on the last match.

“Today was better than the other day,” said Flintoff. “We thought 226 was a competitive score and at 90-odd for five of course we thought we had a chance of winning.

“It was a special innings of Raina which was the difference between the two sides at the end of the day.

“It was a difficult time to bat when he came in and we tried to make him work hard for his runs."

Hopefully another Raina storm won't soak Englands chances of winning the One day series. Englands next match is on Monday.