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Pakistan
were comprehensively out-performed in the third one-dayer
against India, as the visitors romped to a comfortable five
wicket win with 16 balls to spare. The win gives India a 2-1
lead in the best of five series.
Pakistan
started off inauspiciously with Salman Butt again losing his
wicket in the first over of the game, yet again caught in
the slips off Irfan Pathan. Shahid Afridi, playing with a
rib injury, chanced his arm before losing his wicket to a
big heave that landed in the safe hands of Mohammad Kaif at
cover. Kamran Akmal was dismissed for 34 after getting a start
and Mohammad Yousuf once again failed to bother the scorers.
When
Inzamam was also forced back into the pavilion at 5 for 128,
it looked like Pakistani total would be a mediocre one. But
once again Shoaib Malik came to the rescue as he struck a
glorious hundred under difficult conditions. He was well supported
by Abdul Razzaq who scored 64 off 56 deliveries. The two together
helped Pakistan to post a competitive total of 288 in the
allotted 50 overs.
Mohammad
Asif and Umar Gul started the proceedings for Pakistan and
were bang on target from the first over. Asif, in quick time,
reduced India to 2 for 12 and Pakistan knew they had a chance.
When Dravid was run out off a brilliant throw by Umar Gul,
India’s run-rate was a shade above 4.00 per over and
they were clearly struggling. Tendulkar played and missed
umpteen times in an uncomfortable stay thus far and the Indians
were struggling.
However,
it was Tendulkar himself and Yuvraj who steadied the ship
with a well-forged partnership off 105 runs. Tendulkar got
out on 95, missing out on a ton but continuing his impressive
run of form. The stage was set for Dhoni to perform under
pressure with the required run rate hovering around 7.0 runs
per over. Dhoni demolished the Pakistani attack on his way
to 72 runs off 46 balls, as he single-handedly turned the
match in India’s favour. Consequently, the visitors
won easily with 2.4 overs to spare. Dhoni was adjudged Man-of-the-Match
was his match-winning knock.
This
puts the hosts in a must-win situation for the rest of the
series. Pakistan’s chances are further dented as Shahid
Afridi has bowed out of the series owing to his rib injury.
Pakistan haven’t named a replacement for him but have
recalled fast bowler Mohammad Sami as a cover for Shoaib Akhter.
Pakistan will have to put up a much better all-round show
in the next two matches if they are to prove a tough match
for a rejuvenated Indian team.
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