Dravid’s Class Sets Up India

Rahul Dravid registered his 20th test century after scoring one in the previous innings. His fine knock helped India gain the advantage.

Resuming the day’s play on 3/133, India suffered a setback when Indian captain, Sourav Ganguly fell to the pace and bounce of Mohammad Sami for just 12.

Rahul Dravid marched on and with the help of wicket keeper Dinesh Karthik, the pair lead India past the 300 run mark in their second innings.

Karthik impressed with his ability to stroke the ball to the boundary and Dravid was his solid self as he marched towards his second century in the test match.

Dinesh Karthik reached his maiden test match half century and it was a much needed knock by the little wicket keeper batsman. Karthik can now be confident of securing his test match place ahead of the third test against Pakistan.

Soon after, Dravid reached his 20th test century and his second in the test match making him on of the only few to score back to back centuries in a test match.

Dravid and Karthik continued on with their partnership before Dravid was dismissed by Danish Kaneria. Dravid’s classical innings of a 135 contained 15 boundaries.

India’s score was then reduced for 6/331 as Dinesh Karthik missed his chance to score a maiden test century and was dismissed for 93 as he was bowled by Danish Kaneria.

VVS Laxman, not in the best of form this season scored a quick fire 24 before he fell victim to Kaneria and Irfan Pathan contributed with a quickfire 38* off 30 balls to have India finish up on 9/407 declared.

Pakistan’s target was a massive 422 runs in the fourth innings. A target which was most unlikely for the tourists to chase down. Pakistan began solidly as dangerman Shahid Afridi launched into the wayward and inaccurate Indian bowling.

The explosive Afridi challenged all the Indian bowlers with his destructive strokeplay. Afridi took to Balaji and Pathan and had soon reached his half century at almost a run a ball.

With Taufeeq Umar acting as the anchor and Afridi acting as the aggressor, Pakistan were nearing 100 runs in their first 20 overs. But just as the day was about to come to a close, India struck as they removed the dangerman Shahid Afridi for 59.

Pakistan at the close of play were 1/95 with Taufeeq Umar (29*) and Younis Khan (0*) at the crease.

Brief Score Summary:

India (1st Innings): 407 All Out (Dravid 110, Sehwag 81, Tendulkar 52, Kaneria 3/136, Afridi 3/80, Razzaq 3/62)

Pakistan (1st Innings): 393 All Out (Younis 147, Youhana 104, Kumble 3/98, Balaji 2/81)

India (2nd Innings): 9/407 declared (Dravid 135, Karthik 93, Tendulkar 52, Kaneria 3/123, Sami 3/82, Razzaq 3/80)

Pakistan (2nd Innings): 1/95 (Afridi 59, Taufeeq 29*, Kumble 1/17)