India coasted to an easy seven-wicket win over the weakened West Indies in the final group match of the Champions Trophy – one that had no effect on the semi-final line-up and did little to entertain the spectators.

India still had a chance at qualification when they won the toss and put the West Indies in to bat.

That chance to progress was still there when they whipped out their opponents in 36 overs for just 129, and with Australia struggling against Pakistan, hopes would have been high for a shock semi-final berth.

But thanks to Australia’s last-gasp victory, India’s run chase became a pointless affair, with nothing to play for but pride.

Pride was something lacking in the West Indies’ batting line-up, who collapsed to some effective, but unincredible, swing bowling from Praveen Kumar and Aashish Nehra.

Wickets fell at a steady rate, with no batsman passing 25. The only real semblance of resistance came from Darren Sammy, who hit 23 before being caught on the boundary. Nikita Miller, who hit a half-century batting at nine against Pakistan, contributed a promising 17 not out, and David Bernard (22) and Devon Smith (21) also chipped in.

But Kumar (3-22) and Nehra (3-31) were in control with the ball, and a further 2-14 from Harbhajan Singh ensured the West Indies were bowled out cheaply. Captain MS Dhoni, meanwhile, handed the wicketkeeping gloves to Dinesh Karthik and had a bowl himself. Having seen his first two balls disappear for four, he took his first international wicket – that of Travis Dowlin – before taking himself off again.

India discovered as they went out to bat that progress to the semi-finals was not possible, and set about the run chase sedately. Having capitulated with the bat, the West Indies made India work hard for their runs: Sammy conceded only 25 runs in a 10-over spell, Gavin Tonge took 1-36 and promising 21-year-old Kemar Roach (1-27) had the Indian batsmen in trouble with his 94mph bouncers.

Virat Kohli could not be moved, however, and the 20-year-old hit an unbeaten 79 to claim the man of the match award. Karthik added a supporting 34 from 79 balls as India rolled to victory with nearly 18 overs remaining.

But despite the victory, India have been knocked out in the group stages for the third ICC tournament in a row.

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