Yuvraj Singh scored a brilliant third one-day hundred as India weathered a brave West Indies fight-back on Sunday to clinch a seven-run victory and a place in the tri-series tournament final against Sri Lanka. Singh rescued India after an early top order collapse, cracking 110 from 114 balls with 11 fours and one six, to lift India to 262-4.
Middle order batsman Mohammad Kaif supported Singh with a fine 83 not out, sharing what proved to be a match-winning 165-run partnership from 171 balls.
Left-arm fast bowler Irfan Pathan then grabbed two early wickets before leg spinner Anil Kumble ripped through the middle order, reducing West Indies to 112-6 as he claimed 3-38 from his 10 overs.
But opener Runako Morton battled on for a clean-hitting 84 from 105 balls, dragging West Indies back into the contest.
Morton added a run-a-ball 83 for the seventh wicket with wicket-keeper Denesh Ramdin, who scored a mature and composed career-best 74 not out from 82 balls. After Morton clipped a catch to mid-wicket, Ramdin kept West Indies in the hunt until the final over with some innovative and belligerent strokes.
But left-armed Ashish Nehra held his nerve and bowled a fine last over, conceding just four runs when 12 were required for a major upset.
West Indies, missing their captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul with a viral infection and 10 other leading players due to a protracted contracts dispute, were eventually restricted to 255-9.
On Saturday, West Indies ended an 11-match losing streak with a 33-run win against Sri Lanka to resurrect their chances in the tournament.
But after Sunday's loss by West Indies, it is India who will play hosts Sri Lanka in Tuesday's final.
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