West Indies' Ramnaresh Sarwan drives during their match against India in the ICC Champions Trophy at Ahmedabad yesterday. Sarwan made a half century as the Windies won by three wickets. - Reuters

SHIVNARINE CHANDERPAUL hit a half century in his 200th limited-overs international and Ian Bradshaw chipped in with three key wickets yesterday as the West Indies survived a late Indian charge to record a thrilling three-wicket win and qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy.

The West Indies restricted India to 223 for nine off their 50 overs and then kept their nerve to score 224 for seven off 49.4 overs.

The West Indies were cruising along nicely at 212 for three before India claimed four wickets in the space of seven runs. Marlon Samuels kept his cool and disappointed about 40,000 Indian supporters at the ground as he sliced Ajit Agarkar to the third-man boundary that took the defending champions to victory.

The West Indies took their points tally to four after their stunning 10-run win over No. 1 ranked team Australia in the first group match. Yesterday's victory was the West Indies' sixth win against India in eight limited-overs games this year.

India now have to beat Australia in their last group game on Sunday at Mohali to qualify for the semi-finals. The West Indies could finish on top of Group A if they beat England - winless in two games - at Ahmedabad in their last group game tomorrow.

India hit back

Ramnaresh Sarwan (53) and Runako Morton (45) combined in a 92-run partnership before India hit back and took four wickets in 13 deliveries.

Agarkar trapped Morton lbw; Brian Lara (five) was bowled by Irfan Pathan and Sarwan was run out. With the West Indies still needing five runs, Agarkar clean bowled Dwayne Smith off the first delivery of the 50th over before Samuels got the West Indies home.

Chanderpaul (51) - who had missed the game against Australia due to food poisoning - took charge once Chris Gayle hammered a quick-fire 34 off 37 balls with seven boundaries but mistimed a pull shot and skied a catch at long off in the 10th over.

Chanderpaul hit eight fours and faced 72 balls before he edged part-time spinner Virender Sehwag