It was all wet and murky, as the first test match between India and Pakistan ended in a tame draw. Six centuries and over 1000 runs scored for the loss of only eight wickets, as cricket fans all over the world witnessed a hugely one-sided contest between bat and ball.

Pakistan started the proceedings by blasting 679 runs for the loss of seven wickets in only 143.3 overs. Younis Khan came perilously close to a double century and was unfortunate to be run-out on 199. Mohammad Yousuf, who shared a massive 319-run partnership with Younis in 65 overs, scored 173 runs of the most beautifully crafted strokes one can possibly come across.

That, however, was just the beginning of a run-mayhem. The big-hitting bully, Shahid Afridi, then arrived at the crease and tore apart the Indian bowling by smashing 103 runs in just 80 balls with the help of seven fours and as many sixes. Wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal joined the party, scoring an equally entertaining 102 in 80 balls. The total of 679 runs was the home team’s second score of 600-plus in as many test matches at Lahore.

With 480 runs needed just to avoid the follow-on, the Indian batsmen were expected to be under reasonable pressure at the start of the innings. But that was not to be. After Sehwag and Dravid, who chose to open the innings himself rather then asking Ganguly to do the job, negotiated a fiery first spell by Shoaib, it was all fun and play for the two openers.

The unresponsive pitch and an uninspiring bowling display by the Pakistani bowlers meant that both Sehwag and Dravid cruised along comfortably to 247 and 128 runs respectively at the end of day four. In the process, Sehwag manhandled the Pakistani attack as he reached the second fastest double-hundred in test cricket history. The two also put together 410 runs, the highest ever opening stand for India against Pakistan. Unfortunately though, they missed the world record for the highest opening partnership by a mere three runs. The final day, in which only 14 balls were bowled for the loss of Sehwag’s solitary wicket, ended on the same note.

The bowlers from both sides received a severe mauling and would love to forget the test match. However, with the next match in Faisalabad, similar pitch and weather conditions can be expected, and the bowlers might have to be mentally prepared for further bruises and batters!

© Copyright 2006. PointCricket.