India take series with 40 run win
Friday, March 26 2004
A sublime century from VVS Laxman and an insicive spell from Irfan Pathan has helped India to a comfortable 40 run win, capping off a memorable series.
Pakistani captain Inzamam Ul-Haq once more won the toss & elected to field, India’s poor record in finals recently no doubt forming part of his reason for doing so.
Not for the first time in this gripping series Pakistan were on the receiving end of an early barrage from Virender Sehwag, however fortunately for the home side his cameo was brief, spanking 4 boundaries in his 20 before edging behind off Shabir Ahmed.
Sachin Tendulkar also appeared in a very dangerous frame of mind, hitting a brisk 37 before falling to Mohammad Sami, leaving the visitors 2-79.
The match & series were in the balance at this stage, however Ganguly & Laxman left nothing to chance, taking the attack to the Pakistani bowlers as they added a crucial 92 run stand from 111 balls to put India firmly in the drivers seat.
Sourav Ganguly wafting casually outside his off stump on 45 to end the partnership.
Rahul Dravid failed to capitalise on his brilliant recent form, being bowled all ends up by a lightning inswinger from Mohammad Sami for just 4 while Yuvraj Singh lofted Shabir Ahmed straight to square leg for 18.
However Laxman ensured India would have a more than sufficient total to defend, bringing up his 6th ODI century before holing out off the bowling of Shoaib Malik for 107 (104 balls, 11 fours).
Talienders Irfan Pathan & Balaji carried India to 7-293, the highlight of their stand being Balaji’s straight six off the bowling of Shoaib Akhtar.
293 seemed a daunting score to chase under lights in a final, however Pakistan had already made bigger scores batting second this series so the task was not beyond them.
Mohammad Sami (3-63) & Shabir Amhed (2-56) were the best of the bowlers, while Shoaib uncharacteristically did not bowl a single extra during his spell of 1-47.
Pakistan needed a big start if they were to seriously threaten the total, unfortunately it didn’t happen as Yasir Hameed was clean bowled by Balaji in just the second over of the innings & Yousuf Youhana was out leg before to Pathan for 1 just 6 balls later, leaving Pakistan in serious trouble at 2-10.
The situation got worse before it got better, Taufeeq Umar walking across his stumps & missing a straight ball to be bowled by Pathan for 18.
While Younis Khan hit a fearsome square drive straight to Yuvraj Singh at point, leaving Pakistan 4-58.
Inzamam Ul-Haq, the dangerman for India so far in this series again looked like turning the match, however on 38 he lofted Kartik straight down Tendulkar’s throat to leave his side dead in the water at 5-87.
Abdul Razzaq then smashed Balaji straight to mid off, leaving the home side 6-96.
Shoaib Malik & Moin Kahn then fought back in fine style, adding a 99 run stand in quick time to revive Pakistan’s hopes, however just as they looked like being contenders again Virender Sehwag got the breakthrough, enticing Malik into a swipe down the throat of Mohammad Kaif at deep mid wicket for a well made 65 (3 fours, 1 six).
Mohammad Sami had his woodwork rearranged by Zaheer shortly after leaving Pakistan 8 down.
While Shoaib Akhtar ran himself out embarrassingly 2 balls later.
India finally had their trophy when Moin Khan missed a low full toss from Balaji & was bowled for a well made 72 (5 fours, 1 six).
Pakistan all out for 253.
Pathan with 3-32 was the pick of the bowlers, while Balaji (3-62) offered support.
Summary
India 7/293
Laxman 107
Ganguly 45
Sami 3-63
Pakistan 253
Khan 72
Malik 65
Pathan 3-32
Balaji 3-63
India win by 40 runs & win the series 2-3
Player of the match – VVS Laxman
Player of the series – Inzamam Ul-Haq
Posted by DavidH
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