The second test match was played on a slightly better pitch and improved conditions. The result was, nonetheless, another grinding draw. An aggregate of over 2000 runs scored, an astronomical amount by any measures, as both sides got some more bating practice ahead of the finale in Karachi.

Pakistan won yet another toss and batted first to score 588. After a decent start, Pakistan lost both openers in quick time with the score on 65. Younis and Yousuf then came together, and as witnessed in recent times, India found it hard to break their partnership. This time, they stitched together a 142-run stand before Yousuf was sent back by debutant RP Singh for 65 runs. Skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq was in next, and needed little time to get into his groove.

Younis, however, fell for 83, only to bring in Shahid Afridi in the middle. Afridi was unusually subdued in the first half of his innings. After his initial serenity, he took the opposition to the cleaners in typical Afridi fashion. He raced to 150 in just 62 more deliveries as he clobbered the bowlers all over Iqbal Stadium, as he and his captain combined for a walloping 251-run partnership in less then 50 overs. Pakistan finished with 588, with Inzamam cracking another century and Shoaib scoring 47.

For India, Sehwag started fluently striking six boundaries before perishing to a nippy delivery from Abdul Razzaq. After Shoaib and Asif asked a few questions in their initial spells, Laxman and Dravid likened to the batting-friendly conditions in Faisalabad, as they combined for a 197-run stand. Pakistan, however, struck back in impressive manner by taking four wickets for 45 runs. Laxman went back on 90 while Dravid got yet another ton against Pakistan. Yuvraj was unable to resist on a temptation to play the hook shot and Tendulkar was caught behind off his glove.

At that instance, Pakistan sniffed a chance, but that was not to be. Dhoni and Pathan played some delightful strokes as they took the attack to the Pakistanis. While Dhoni blazed his way to 148, Pathan missed out yet again on his first century, as the two added 210 runs for the sixth wicket. Later, India’s tail wagged a bit as the visitors reached 603 all out.

The test match was only heading to a draw from there on. Pakistan got further batting practice, and more big scores followed. Younis missed out on another double-ton as he scored 194, Yousuf added another century to his record with 126, and young Akmal cruised to a score of 78. Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 490 on the last day. India followed it up with 21 without loss. RP Singh was surprisingly adjudged Man of the Match inspite of Younis making nearly 300 runs in the match.

After playing two meaningless draws, both sides must be looking forward to Karachi, hoping for a grassier pitch with some moisture in it. Uptil now, it has been a contest between the batsmen of both squads. Come Saturday, the bowlers will be praying for a favorable pitch to show off their skills.

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