India register convincing 5-wicket win
Posted on Nov 05, 2007 at 08:00 | Updated Nov 06, 2007 at 16:01
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Tags: cricket, india, pakistan
Guwahati: It’s a tango that continues to hurt Pakistan. Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni made a hit pair in the one-day series in Pakistan last year. It was no different at Guwahati.
Chasing a modest total of 239, the two regained lost ground after India were 113/3. On an easy-paced wicket the captain, and the vice-captain, recorded a century stand as India rounded off a convincing five-wicket win over Pakistan.
By the time a rush of adrenaline caused Yuvraj (58) to top edge a slog-sweep off Abdur Rehman, the damage had already been done.
Dhoni, who promoted himself to number four and batted with élan and authority to score 63, bagged the man of the match award.
Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar was trapped leg before the wicket by speedster Shoaib Akhtar for four.
The Rawalpindi Express bowled a furious first spell, clocking the 150 kph mark consistently. He had Tendulkar hopping and there was no doubt who had the better of the exchange on Monday.
The Little Master was deceived by Akhtar’s slower one as he shuffled across to flick it fine. It looked a marginal decision given the height of the ball. The umpire after taking ages to make up his mind ruled him out.
Ganguly, under pressure to retain his place in the series, got going after an edgy start. A few lofted drives over covers and a straight six off Umar Gul gave his batting and India’s innings the much needed impetus.
However, the Bengal southpaw lost his scalp to his old bogey: running between the wickets. Nudging the ball fine, he set off for an unlikely run. He could have shown more urgency in getting back; a slide would have perhaps saved him the blushes but that wasn’t to be.
Gambhir, who got a good working-over from Shoaib - edging him twice between the keeper and first slip - settled down to play some crisp drives. He squirted the off with ease and executed a few delectable drives off his pads.
The Delhi opener perished for 44 to a peach. Shahid Afridi, who has been in good bowling rhythm of late, got one to turn viciously behind Gambhir’s legs to rattle his timber.
Earlier, despite a fighting 83 not out by Mohammad Yousuf, India restricted Pakistan to a modest 239 for seven in their 50 overs.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first on a wicket which looked to favour the batsmen. But penetrative bowling by the Indian bowlers derailed the visitors’ hopes of a big total despite Yousuf (83 not out off 88 balls with eight fours), Salman Butt (50 off 57 balls with eight boundaries), Shahid Afridi (31 off 32 balls with a four and a six) and Misabh-ul-Haq (27 off 26 balls with two hits to the fence) contributing to the total.
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Total Comments: 48
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Posted By suman
dravid is vicitm of dirty of politics of ind dressing room and selection commette and his performance in ranji match
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Posted By S Subramaniam
At the outset I would like to congratulate Dhoni and his dashing young Turks for their convincing victory in the
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Posted By Prince
the game should\''ve been more interesting. the pakistanis are not performing well maybe because of what is happening at home.
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Posted By realclasic cricket fan
why dhoni didn\''t came bat no 4 against aussiees. when dead pitch is there he is coming early for scoring
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Posted By Ajit anjaria
When they-selectors had selected sehwag they should not have excluded him in the first match. It seems selectors have no
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