India claim nine-wicket victory

MOHALI – India defeated England by nine wickets in the rain-hit second test yesterday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Opening batsman Virender Sehwag lashed 76 not out on the final day as India cruised to their victory target of 144 just before tea. Sehwag put on 105 runs for the unbroken second-wicket partnership with skipper Rahul Dravid, who was 42 not out.Debutant paceman Munaf Patel had dashed England hopes of salvaging a draw after the tourists had resumed on 112 for five, only 74 runs ahead.After the 22-year-old ripped through the lower order, England were bowled out for 181 before lunch.Patel struck three quick blows to claim four for 25 for a splendid match haul of seven wickets.Leg spinner Anil Kumble added one more wicket after producing three quick blows after tea on day four to leave injury-depleted England struggling to save the match.Kumble took four for 70 to finish with nine wickets in the match.Just 65 overs were possible on the first two days due to rain and bad light.The first test in Nagpur ended in a draw.The third and final test starts in Mumbai on Saturday.- Nampa-ReutersSehwag put on 105 runs for the unbroken second-wicket partnership with skipper Rahul Dravid, who was 42 not out.Debutant paceman Munaf Patel had dashed England hopes of salvaging a draw after the tourists had resumed on 112 for five, only 74 runs ahead.After the 22-year-old ripped through the lower order, England were bowled out for 181 before lunch.Patel struck three quick blows to claim four for 25 for a splendid match haul of seven wickets.Leg spinner Anil Kumble added one more wicket after producing three quick blows after tea on day four to leave injury-depleted England struggling to save the match.Kumble took four for 70 to finish with nine wickets in the match.Just 65 overs were possible on the first two days due to rain and bad light.The first test in Nagpur ended in a draw.The third and final test starts in Mumbai on Saturday.- Nampa-Reuters