Kohli sizzles as India set West Indies 193 to win

MUMBAI: Virat Kohli continued his rich vein of form in the World Twenty20 on Thursday, guiding India to 192 for two with a sparkling 89 not out against West Indies in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium.

West Indies captain Darren Sammy won the toss and opted to field, having in mind the dew factor that could make it difficult for the bowlers to grip the ball later.

Sammy's attack began strongly, allowing the hosts just two runs in the first couple of overs, but India then took control in front of a stadium filled to the brim with fans wearing the team's blue jersey.

India, the inaugural champions in 2007, dropped under-performing opener Shikhar Dhawan and the move paid off as Rohit Sharma (43) and Ajinkya Rahane (40) put on 62 for the first wicket.

That laid the perfect foundations for Kohli, who led his side into the last four with 82 not out against Australia in the previous match, as he compiled his third unbeaten half-century of the tournament.

Kohli began nervously, twice going close to being run out, but made the opposition pay for failing to take their chances.

He struck 11 fours and a six in his 47-ball knock, putting on 66 for the second wicket with Rahane and an unbroken 64 for the third with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (15 not out).