PORT-OF-SPAIN (TRINIDAD), NOV 22: A sixth wicket partnership of 114 runs between Rawl Lewis and Ryan Hinds piloted West Indies `A' to a crucial 63-run first innings lead and a winning opportunity on the third day of the opening cricket `Test' against India `A' here on Sunday.India `A' reached 54 for one by the close, still trailing by nine runs with one day remaining in the match. Opener Gagan Khoda (14) and Jacob Martin (36) were at the crease.Despite a haul of six for 75 from left-arm spinner Murali Kartik, West Indies stretched its overnight 131 for four to 289. Grenadian all-rounder Lewis topscored with 64 off 150 balls, while Barbadian Hinds hit 62 from 182 deliveries. Both batsmen passed their previous best first-class scores.When the West Indies took tea at 267 for six, they appeared headed for a big lead. But Kartik ensured that did not materialise by bringing the innings to a rapid end soon after the interval. The 23-year-old, who plays for Railways in Ranji Trophy, took four wickets forjust five runs in 25 balls as the lower order failed to fully capitalise on the Lewis-Hinds partnership.Ganesh supported Kartik well and was rewarded with figures of three for 41 off 20 overs.McLean quickly put the skids under the Indians as they began their second innings, trapping Sridharan Sriram leg before for a first ball duck in his opening over.But Khoda and Martin remained defiant until the end, adding 51 runs for second wicket. Khoda, the vice captain, was unbeaten on 14 while Martin was more positive in reaching 36.Martin was let off just before the close when on 34, leg-spinner Lewis putting down a difficult return catch diving away low to his right. The Baroda player struck three fours and faced 60 deliveries.As on the first two days, the crowd was a disappointment, with just a few hundred spectators on hand to watch the match.
