When Harbhajan Singh was in operation, he batted cautiously and ensured that his side did not lose wickets. But the moment the off-spinner went off the attack, he opened his inning again to destroy the rest of the Indian bowlers, while raising 80 runs for the first wicket with Chanderpaul. India failed to handle the West Indian attack. Gayle did in a signature destructive fashion, guiding the team to 169 for six with 66- balls 98 runs. West Indies posted competitive score and Indian fielding lived up to its statement.

Chasing the target, India’s batting showed more indiscipline than the wayward West Indian bowling. In the Indian batting side, Suresh Raina hit a 25 from 32 but it was Mahendra Singh Dhoni (29) and Harbhajan Singh (14) who raised India’s hopes in the death overs, but some outstanding fielding and bowling by Dwayne Bravo spit out India's challenge. Bravo produced an outstanding direct hit from long on to get rid off Dhoni and then held a catch in the deep, off Harbhajan.

Now, India will need a miracle to reach the semis. A win for Sri Lanka over Australia in the other Group F match would mean they have no longer any chance of reaching the final four. If Australia defeated Sri Lanka and West Indies in their next two matches and India beat the Islanders in their last encounter, then it will come down to a run rate which will be the only slight chance that India will have to make to the semis.

The virtual non-stop cricket due to the IPL is responsible for poor performance.