Lara inspires Windies to upset win

CAPE TOWN: Brian Lara inspired West Indies to an upset three-run victory over hosts South Africa after an extraordinary finish to the opening Cricket World Cup Group "B" match yesterday.

Lara struck a masterful 116 after being dropped first ball to help West Indies rack up 278 for five from their 50 overs.

The South Africans finished on 275 for nine despite a defiant 57 from 48 balls by Lance Klusener which gave them hope of an unlikely win after they had slumped to 204 for seven.

A West Indies victory looked a remote possibility when, after winning the toss, they slumped to seven for two and had to wait until the 13th over to hit their first boundary.

But Lara, spilled by Jacques Kallis one-handed at second slip, received good support from Shivnarine Chanderpaul and captain Carl Hooper on the way to his 16th One-Day International century, which included two sixes and 10 fours.

Lara's dismissal did not slow the run rate as Ricardo Powell (40 not out) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (32) helped their side plunder 110 runs from the final 10 overs of the innings.

South Africa lost Herschelle Gibbs for 24 and Boeta Dippenaar for 20, but it was the fall of Jacques Kallis and Jonty Rhodes in quick succession that knocked the stuffing out of their reply.

The dependable Gary Kirsten reached another One-Day International half-century but when he fell for 69 quickly followed by Pollock, the writing was on the wall for the tournament second favourites.

Mark Boucher made a defiant 49 but when he was yorked by occasional spinner Chris Gayle South Africa's last realistic chance looked to have gone.

Klusener smashed three sixes in one Gayle over to swing the momentum his side's way but, with nine needed off the final over, he was caught in the deep with three balls remaining.

Makhaya Ntini then skied a catch to Sarwan at deep extra cover, leaving South Africa requiring eight runs off one delivery.

Nicky Boje hit a four off the last ball but it was not enough.                                 (Reuters)