Poor Batting and Dubious Umpiring cost India Natwest Series

India failed to recreate the magic at Lord's and falter at the final hurdle. England beat India by 7 wickets to win the decider and the Natwest Series 4-3. India won the toss and elected to bat first. Both the openers started the innings on a cautious note. Ganguly and Gambhir did not last long. Then came the dubious finger of Pakistani Umpire Aleem Daar into picture. He raised finger twice, but it ruined India's hope on winning the match and the series.

Darr gave two back-to-back dubious decisions against Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar. TV replays proved him wrong, but the damage was already done. Despite Dhoni's half-century, India was bowled out for 187.

England started the chase on a disastrous note with both the openers falling cheaply to RP Singh. However, England batsmen gave no room to Indian bowlers after that. Bell made 36 before getting run out. Kevin Pieterson and Paul Collingwood batted beautifully to take England to victory. Pieterson made 71*, while Collingwood scored 64*. Pieterson was adjudged as "Man of the Match" and Ian Bell got the "Man of the Series" award.