At last sensibility got the better of Indians when they defeated the West Indies in the fourth ODI a few minutes ago at Baroda clinching the four-match series 3-1.

The Indian team outclassed the West Indies by putting up a staggering 341 for 3 in their allotted 50 overs at the IPCL ground. It was the top order that came good except for Robin Uthappa who perished yet again after a rush of blood. It was the experience of the Indian batsmen which thrashed the visitors by a margin of 160 runs.

Sachin Tendulkar was back to what he’s best at—scoring his 41st one-day ton. His 76-ball ton was aptly supported by skipper Rahul Dravid (78) and Saurav Ganguly (68) and Dhoni who chipped in with a quick fire 40.

Tendulkar was declared Man of the Match and also awarded the Man of the Series for his all-round contribution.

West Indies chasing India’s total never looked in hunt of reaching their. They got off to a shaky start with openers Chris Gayle (6) and Chanderpaul (40) falling cheaply. After the initial setback the visitors’ never really recovered as they kept losing wickets in regular intervals with Devon Smith (24), Brian Lara (3) and Lindel Simmons (4) falling without making any impact.

The in form Marlon Samuels was the only bright spot who chipped in with yet another half-ton before the West Indian innings folded for 181 in just the 42nd over.

Ajit Agarkar and Anil Kumble picking up two wickets each, while Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan and Yuvraj Singh picked up one a piece.

This series win will be a confidence booster as India continues on its road to the World Cup, the first task before the team is to ensure that similar standards are maintained when they take on the Lankans in a four-match one-day series starting on 8th February.

Brief Scores

India 341-3 (50 Overs) beat West Indies 181 all out (42 Overs)