All the drama, action, emotions that were expected from the Mother Of All Battles were present, there was no lack of tempers around but in the end, it was an exciting game of cricket worth all the hype and the money riding on it.
Gone was the diffident, hesitent, defensive captain. Hafeez took charge today, led from the front and his partnership with Shoaib Malik laid the foundation for Pakistan's first Twenty20 International victory over India. There were two batting collapses, but Pakistan managed to hang on. India went from 77 for 1 to 124 for 9, Pakistan from 12 for 3 to victory. Malik's unbeaten 57 was crucial, and his first 50 since getting married could not have come at a better time.
That's India's second T20 loss in the last over in as many games. And this one came with a six too. If captain Eoin Morgan led from the front for England, Mohammad Hafeez was the star today with his 61.
PAKISTAN WIN BY FIVE WICKETS
Over 19.4: Pakistan 134/5; Malik 57, Afridi 3So Pakistan need 10 runs from the last over. This one has gone all the way to the wire, but India lost their last T20 match a few days back in the last over, off the last ball. Can they avoid a repeat here? Ravindra Jadeja gets the ball, the regular bowlers have been exhausted. Malik gets off strike with a single leg bye. Afridi to face his first ball. Gets a double with some quick running. Then a single. And Malik ends all speculation and calculations with a huge six, picking up the length delivery outside off and placed firmly besides the sightscreen.
Wicket: Kamran Akmal c Ishant b Dinda 1
Over 19: Pakistan 124/5; Malik 51, Afridi 0
Dinda is back. Pakistan have two overs to get 14 runs. Starts with a single from Malik. He gets a hard-earned 50. Pakistan need to get a boundary here, very important to ease the pressure in the final over. But they lose Kamran Akmal, that altercation with Ishant seems to have affected the wicketkeeper and he is gone for one. Caught at third man by Ishant. Oh, well. Boom Boom is walking out for the final over.
Dinda is back. Pakistan have two overs to get 14 runs. Starts with a single from Malik. He gets a hard-earned 50. Pakistan need to get a boundary here, very important to ease the pressure in the final over. But they lose Kamran Akmal, that altercation with Ishant seems to have affected the wicketkeeper and he is gone for one. Caught at third man by Ishant. Oh, well. Boom Boom is walking out for the final over.
Wicket: Hafeez c Kumar b Ishant 61
Over 18: Pakistan 120/4; Kamran Akmal 0, Malik 48
And Ishant gets a wicket. Finally, there is a second name in the wicket-taker's column for India. But Bhuvneshwar is still in the picture, for he is the fielder at third man to take the catch that will see captain Hafeez walk back to the pavilion but he has done his bit. Short, wide of off stump, cut straight to the fielder. Will this be the turning point of the match? Kamran Akmal walks out. But Ishant gets another wicket before the over is out, Jadeja has taken the catch. No, not yet. The upmires discuss, and signal a no-ball. Malik is saved and Pakistan also get a single. Things get hot in the middle after the next ball to Kamran that beat his bat but umpires intervene.
And Ishant gets a wicket. Finally, there is a second name in the wicket-taker's column for India. But Bhuvneshwar is still in the picture, for he is the fielder at third man to take the catch that will see captain Hafeez walk back to the pavilion but he has done his bit. Short, wide of off stump, cut straight to the fielder. Will this be the turning point of the match? Kamran Akmal walks out. But Ishant gets another wicket before the over is out, Jadeja has taken the catch. No, not yet. The upmires discuss, and signal a no-ball. Malik is saved and Pakistan also get a single. Things get hot in the middle after the next ball to Kamran that beat his bat but umpires intervene.
These two have brought Pakistan to within 16 runs of an exciting victory but there is still hope. India have three overs to stop them. Can they do get Pakistan's first win in T20 Internationals over India? Ishant continues.
Over 17: Pakistan 118/3; Hafeez 61, Malik 47
Dinda back in the attack. Malik gets four runs, running two runs off the second and third balls each, then gets another four. Short, swung high, gets a top edge and races to fine leg boundary.
Dinda back in the attack. Malik gets four runs, running two runs off the second and third balls each, then gets another four. Short, swung high, gets a top edge and races to fine leg boundary.
Over 16: Pakistan 110/3; Hafeez 61, Malik 39
Four overs to go, 34 runs to get, Ishant Sharma is back in attack. A single to Malik gives Hafeez another chance to flex his arms, and he does it. Gets a four, high over midwicket six, bounces just in front of the ropes. Two more singles and another four from Hafeez to end the over, over mid off.
Four overs to go, 34 runs to get, Ishant Sharma is back in attack. A single to Malik gives Hafeez another chance to flex his arms, and he does it. Gets a four, high over midwicket six, bounces just in front of the ropes. Two more singles and another four from Hafeez to end the over, over mid off.
Over 15: Pakistan 99/3; Hafeez 52, Malik 37
Jadeja gets the ball again and Malik gets a six. Again. Three runs to Hafeez to bring Malik to the crease and he goes for a maximum, straight down the ground, aimed at the sightscreen. A single brings Hafeez and he ends the over with another six from that over, this one over long off. This has been a good over for Pakistan, 16 runs from that over and a well-made 50 to the captain.
Jadeja gets the ball again and Malik gets a six. Again. Three runs to Hafeez to bring Malik to the crease and he goes for a maximum, straight down the ground, aimed at the sightscreen. A single brings Hafeez and he ends the over with another six from that over, this one over long off. This has been a good over for Pakistan, 16 runs from that over and a well-made 50 to the captain.
Over 14: Pakistan 83/3; Hafeez 43, Malik 30
Yuvraj Singh continues with spin. Five singles and a six to Hafeez to get 11 runs from that over. Short stuff and sent flying over wide long on. Pakistan have not lost a wicket for a while but they are not getting any runs here either, and that will be a concern. The required run rate is not going down.
Yuvraj Singh continues with spin. Five singles and a six to Hafeez to get 11 runs from that over. Short stuff and sent flying over wide long on. Pakistan have not lost a wicket for a while but they are not getting any runs here either, and that will be a concern. The required run rate is not going down.
Over 13: Pakistan 72/3; Hafeez 34, Malik 28
Ravindra Jadeja has been brought on for Kohli. Four runs.
Ravindra Jadeja has been brought on for Kohli. Four runs.
Over 12: Pakistan 68/3; Hafeez 33, Malik 26
Yuvraj from the other end. Three saingles and a huge six from Shoaib Malik, the first in the Pakistan innings. Flat and short, Malik send it into the crowd beyond deep midwicket. Ten runs from that over.
Yuvraj from the other end. Three saingles and a huge six from Shoaib Malik, the first in the Pakistan innings. Flat and short, Malik send it into the crowd beyond deep midwicket. Ten runs from that over.
Over 11: Pakistan 58/3; Hafeez 30, Malik 18
Kohli is continuing with the ball. Starts with a four from Hafeez, slogged to deep midwicket boundary. Follows with a single each for Hafeez and Malik, then two runs to Hafeez and another four. The captain is opening up, down on one knee and sent it over square leg rope. Ends with a single. A good over for Pakistan but they need to get more than that in every over now.
Kohli is continuing with the ball. Starts with a four from Hafeez, slogged to deep midwicket boundary. Follows with a single each for Hafeez and Malik, then two runs to Hafeez and another four. The captain is opening up, down on one knee and sent it over square leg rope. Ends with a single. A good over for Pakistan but they need to get more than that in every over now.
Over 10: Pakistan 45/3; Hafeez 18, Malik 17
Yuvraj Singh to bowl. The trivia-meter says this is Malik's first game against India since getting married. The asking rate is going up steadily and the runs aren't coming. Pressure increasing on Pakistan batsmen. These two have stabilised the innings a bit but they don't have much time to get the runs, half the innings is already over. Four runs from that over.
Yuvraj Singh to bowl. The trivia-meter says this is Malik's first game against India since getting married. The asking rate is going up steadily and the runs aren't coming. Pressure increasing on Pakistan batsmen. These two have stabilised the innings a bit but they don't have much time to get the runs, half the innings is already over. Four runs from that over.
Over 9: Pakistan 41/3; Hafeez 16, Malik 15
Virat Kohli has been given the ball now. Starts with two runs to Hafeez, good length, worked to square leg. A single, then Malik cuts out past point for four and ends with a single. A decent over for Pakistan after a long time. But they need a lot more of those boundaries and quite a few maximums.
Virat Kohli has been given the ball now. Starts with two runs to Hafeez, good length, worked to square leg. A single, then Malik cuts out past point for four and ends with a single. A decent over for Pakistan after a long time. But they need a lot more of those boundaries and quite a few maximums.
Over 8: Pakistan 33/3; Hafeez 13, Malik 10
Ishant to continue from the other end. Four runs off the over, then a welcome boundary for Malik, taking the inside edge and going to long leg.
Ishant to continue from the other end. Four runs off the over, then a welcome boundary for Malik, taking the inside edge and going to long leg.
Over 7: Pakistan 25/3; Hafeez 12, Malik 3
Kumar's continuing from the other end, which is surprising, since this means Dhoni will use up his quota of four overs rightaway. From Pakistan's point of view, though, the end of his bowling will be welcome news. The asking rate has climbed up past eight and it is not going to get any easier. A wide and two singles to finish his bowling in his first international match. What a debut here for young Bhuvneshwar, 19 dot balls, in a T20 match. Amazing.
Kumar's continuing from the other end, which is surprising, since this means Dhoni will use up his quota of four overs rightaway. From Pakistan's point of view, though, the end of his bowling will be welcome news. The asking rate has climbed up past eight and it is not going to get any easier. A wide and two singles to finish his bowling in his first international match. What a debut here for young Bhuvneshwar, 19 dot balls, in a T20 match. Amazing.
Over 6: Pakistan 22/3; Hafeez 11, Malik 2
Ishant Sharma comes into the attack now and bowls to Malik. These two batsmen, experienced enough to get the runs, need to get some big scores here for Pakistan to have any chance in this match. Just two off that over from Ishant.
Ishant Sharma comes into the attack now and bowls to Malik. These two batsmen, experienced enough to get the runs, need to get some big scores here for Pakistan to have any chance in this match. Just two off that over from Ishant.
The way Kumar swung the ball both in and out, Pakistan must be happy he won't be bowling any more, at least til the end of the innings -- if they survive till then.
Over 5: Pakistan 20/3; Hafeez 10, Malik 1
Bhuvneshwar continues, his third over. His line and length is so impeccable, he doesn't seem to be bowling in his first match in India colours. A single from Malik to get off the mark. Two dot balls and then two quick runs. Ends with three runs off the over, his figures now read an astonishing 3/3.
Bhuvneshwar continues, his third over. His line and length is so impeccable, he doesn't seem to be bowling in his first match in India colours. A single from Malik to get off the mark. Two dot balls and then two quick runs. Ends with three runs off the over, his figures now read an astonishing 3/3.
Over 4: Pakistan 17/3; Hafeez 8, Malik 0
Dinda continues from the other end, a good over with just a single is spoiled by a four off the backfoot from Hafeez, gone through midwicket.
Dinda continues from the other end, a good over with just a single is spoiled by a four off the backfoot from Hafeez, gone through midwicket.
The experienced Shoaib Malik is the new man in, Dinda continues with the ball.
Wicket: Umar Akmal b Kumar 0
Wicket: Shehzad c Dhoni b Kumar 5
Over 3: Pakistan 12/3; Hafeez 4
Kumar continues and he is on fire here. Gets his third wicket in two overs, and this time Shehzad is gone, so Pakistan are already without their two openers. A huge appeal for caught behind, outswinger luring him into the drive and Dhoni snaps it up. Umar Akmal is out now and Pakistan would be under pressure. Their batting has never been the plus point and they need to get some runs here. They don't. They lose another wicket off the last ball of that over instead, Umar Akmal going for a duck. What an over from the youngster on debut, two wickets and just a wide. An absolute ripper the second wicket, swung in from wide of the crease and found the middle stump uprooted.
Kumar continues and he is on fire here. Gets his third wicket in two overs, and this time Shehzad is gone, so Pakistan are already without their two openers. A huge appeal for caught behind, outswinger luring him into the drive and Dhoni snaps it up. Umar Akmal is out now and Pakistan would be under pressure. Their batting has never been the plus point and they need to get some runs here. They don't. They lose another wicket off the last ball of that over instead, Umar Akmal going for a duck. What an over from the youngster on debut, two wickets and just a wide. An absolute ripper the second wicket, swung in from wide of the crease and found the middle stump uprooted.
Over 2: Pakistan 11/1; Shehzad 5, Hafeez 4
The captain has to walk out now, he didn't open but has walked out in the second over itself. Ashok Dinda wil bowl from the otehr end. Indian batting failed, the onus is now on their bowlers to stop Pakistan. Shehzad gets a four to open his scoring, pitched up, moving delivery and sent through covers. Good fielding from India inside the circle to stop runs but Hafeez, in the first ball he faced, still manages to find space and time the ball past midoff for a boundary.
The captain has to walk out now, he didn't open but has walked out in the second over itself. Ashok Dinda wil bowl from the otehr end. Indian batting failed, the onus is now on their bowlers to stop Pakistan. Shehzad gets a four to open his scoring, pitched up, moving delivery and sent through covers. Good fielding from India inside the circle to stop runs but Hafeez, in the first ball he faced, still manages to find space and time the ball past midoff for a boundary.
Wicket: Jamshed b Kumar 2
Over 1: Pakistab 2/1; Shehzad 0
Bhuvneshwar Kumar will open the bowling for India, a big honour and big responsibility for the youngster on debut. And he strike, getting his first wicket in international cricket in the very first over. Captain Hafeez did not open for Pakistan, Nasir Jamshed and Ahmed Shahzad walked out and Jamshed has already walked back. The moving ball from Kumar came in and Jamshed had no answer to it. The man who handed Sachin Tendulkar his first duck in first calss cricket has struck in international cricket.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar will open the bowling for India, a big honour and big responsibility for the youngster on debut. And he strike, getting his first wicket in international cricket in the very first over. Captain Hafeez did not open for Pakistan, Nasir Jamshed and Ahmed Shahzad walked out and Jamshed has already walked back. The moving ball from Kumar came in and Jamshed had no answer to it. The man who handed Sachin Tendulkar his first duck in first calss cricket has struck in international cricket.
So, India set a target of 134 for Pakistan to win the first encounter between these two teams in a bilateral series in five years. India were the favourites to start with, they were the favourites till the first 10 overs, but then the batting collapse meant Pakistan are now just a little ahead. Hafeez would be happy with his bowlers, as would coach Dav Whatmore.
Over 20: India 133/9; Bhuvneshwar 6, Dinda 3
Sohail Tanvir will bowl the last over on the innings. Seven runs off that over, and the only consolation for India? They didn't get all out. Ahem.
Sohail Tanvir will bowl the last over on the innings. Seven runs off that over, and the only consolation for India? They didn't get all out. Ahem.
The crowds, racuous to start with, have been forced into silence here. They can't believe the spectacular collapse of Indian batting here. A victory for Pakistan here will be courtesy their bowlers, who can't be faulted.
Pakistan have come back from nowhere here into the game. India were 77 for no loss, and accelerating nicely, Rahane and Gambhir taking the score along but they have now lost nine wickets for less than 50. A score of 150-plus was there for the asking but Pakistan has proved why they are always dangerous with the ball. Spin and pace have shared the honours here while the Indian batsmen have fallen trying to up the ante.
Wicket: Ishant Sharma b Gul 0
Wicket: Jadeja c Kamran Akmal b Gul 2
Over 19: India 124/9; Bhuvneshwar 0, Dinda 0
Umar Gul is back and on fire. Ravindra Jadeja is gone, India are in deep deep trouble here. Sharp bounce outside off and Jadeja gets an edge to the keeper. Next ball, Ishant Sharma walks out and walks back, bowled on the first ball he faced. Umar Gul on fire, on a hat-trick, Ashok Dinda is the last man in. Misses the hat-trick, but Gul won't mind. Two runs off that over.
Umar Gul is back and on fire. Ravindra Jadeja is gone, India are in deep deep trouble here. Sharp bounce outside off and Jadeja gets an edge to the keeper. Next ball, Ishant Sharma walks out and walks back, bowled on the first ball he faced. Umar Gul on fire, on a hat-trick, Ashok Dinda is the last man in. Misses the hat-trick, but Gul won't mind. Two runs off that over.
Wicket: Rohit Sharma run out 2
Wicket: Raina b Ajmal 10
Over 18: India 124/7; Jadeja 2, Bhuvneshwar 0
Ajmal is bowling again, and he has a wicket. Again. A single to Rohit Sharma brings Raina on strike, and he is bowled. India are in trouble here, more than half the side is gone here, losing six wickets for 45 runs. Raina heaves at a short of length ball, misses as the ball stays low and hits the leg stump. Ravindra Jadeja walks out, but Ajmal is not done here yet. Rohit Sharma is gone too, this time run out. Jadeja was on strike and nidged to midwicket, Rohit ran hard for a second run that just wasn't there and was short by several feet. India escaped another run out off the last ball, just about.
Ajmal is bowling again, and he has a wicket. Again. A single to Rohit Sharma brings Raina on strike, and he is bowled. India are in trouble here, more than half the side is gone here, losing six wickets for 45 runs. Raina heaves at a short of length ball, misses as the ball stays low and hits the leg stump. Ravindra Jadeja walks out, but Ajmal is not done here yet. Rohit Sharma is gone too, this time run out. Jadeja was on strike and nidged to midwicket, Rohit ran hard for a second run that just wasn't there and was short by several feet. India escaped another run out off the last ball, just about.
Wicket: Yuvraj c Umar Akmal b Gul 10
Over 17: India 121/5; Raina 10, Sharma 1
Umar Gul is back and India needs some real big hits here to get a decent total. But they lose a wicket instead, this time Yuvraj Singh, and Pakistan would be specially happy with this dismissal. They know how dangerous he can be. Beats outside off stump off the first ball, the second, shorter and slower, went to Umar Akmal at deep midwicket. Rohit Sharma is the new man in.
Umar Gul is back and India needs some real big hits here to get a decent total. But they lose a wicket instead, this time Yuvraj Singh, and Pakistan would be specially happy with this dismissal. They know how dangerous he can be. Beats outside off stump off the first ball, the second, shorter and slower, went to Umar Akmal at deep midwicket. Rohit Sharma is the new man in.
This is a different captain Hafeez from the one we saw at the Twenty20 World Cup. That one was diffident, hesitant, unsure. This one seems to know all about bolwing changes, field placements and how to work his fielders up.
Wicket: Dhoni b Ajmal 1
Over 16: India 115/4; Yuvraj 10, Raina 5
Saeed Ajmal comes back into the attack. And he proves why he is the best bowler in the world today. That ball to Dhoni pitched on off, was there a turn or not? No matter, it just kissed the off stump, there was no bat, pad, glove near it as Dhoni tried to hit it through covers and a single bail toppled to send Dhoni back. A soft dismissal, as soft as they come. Suresh Raina now comes out, and ends the over with a four.
Saeed Ajmal comes back into the attack. And he proves why he is the best bowler in the world today. That ball to Dhoni pitched on off, was there a turn or not? No matter, it just kissed the off stump, there was no bat, pad, glove near it as Dhoni tried to hit it through covers and a single bail toppled to send Dhoni back. A soft dismissal, as soft as they come. Suresh Raina now comes out, and ends the over with a four.
Wicket: Kohli c Kamran Akmal b Afridi 9
Over 15: India 108/3; Yuvraj 9, Dhoni 1
Irfan is back in the attack and he gets his first international wicket. Two dot balls trying to slog wildly, then Kohli goes, caught behind by wicketkeeper Kamran. Another wild swing of the bat, there was a noise there, perhaps from the inside edge, and the umpire's finger goes up. The captain walks out, MS Dhoni is the new man in and gets off the mark straightaway with a single. But the over seems never-ending, two wides before Yuvraj gets two runs off the last ball to finish the over.
Irfan is back in the attack and he gets his first international wicket. Two dot balls trying to slog wildly, then Kohli goes, caught behind by wicketkeeper Kamran. Another wild swing of the bat, there was a noise there, perhaps from the inside edge, and the umpire's finger goes up. The captain walks out, MS Dhoni is the new man in and gets off the mark straightaway with a single. But the over seems never-ending, two wides before Yuvraj gets two runs off the last ball to finish the over.
Over 14: India 103/2; Kohli 9, Yuvraj 7
Hafeez continues with his spin to Kohli. Two singles, then Kohli gets a four, his first boundary. Lunges forward and slog-sweeps past deep midwicket. Another single to end the over. Hundred up for India. But fourteen overs are gone too.
Hafeez continues with his spin to Kohli. Two singles, then Kohli gets a four, his first boundary. Lunges forward and slog-sweeps past deep midwicket. Another single to end the over. Hundred up for India. But fourteen overs are gone too.
These two -- Kohli and Yuvraj -- love playing agianst Pakistan, and this partnership now may well make all the difference.
Wicket: Gambhir run out Kamran Akmal 43
Over 13: India 96/2; Kohli 3, Yuvraj 6
Shahid Afridi is back, can he strike again? And he does, this time with a run out. Started with a four, swept past long on by Gambhir. Then two singles, one each to Kohli and Gambhir, before disaster for Indian batting. Gambhir slogged it in front of sqaure leg, got a single and comes back for a second but Tanvir's throw was accurate and Kamran Akmal does the rest, the third umpire confirming the dismissal. Yuvraj Singh walks out and makes his intentions clear with a huge, huge six off the first ball, down on one kneww, over midwicket.
Shahid Afridi is back, can he strike again? And he does, this time with a run out. Started with a four, swept past long on by Gambhir. Then two singles, one each to Kohli and Gambhir, before disaster for Indian batting. Gambhir slogged it in front of sqaure leg, got a single and comes back for a second but Tanvir's throw was accurate and Kamran Akmal does the rest, the third umpire confirming the dismissal. Yuvraj Singh walks out and makes his intentions clear with a huge, huge six off the first ball, down on one kneww, over midwicket.
Over 12: India 83/1; Gambhir 37, Kohli 2
Captain Hafeez takes the ball himself now and five singles off that over. That wicket would have got India to just slightly pull back, temporarily.
Captain Hafeez takes the ball himself now and five singles off that over. That wicket would have got India to just slightly pull back, temporarily.
Wicket: Rahane c Umar Akmal b Afridi 42
Over 11: India 78/1; Gambhir 34, Kohli 0
Afridi has struck, and Rahane has fallen for his predictability. Targgetted the extra cover region again but this time there is a fielder in the deep. Virat Kohli walks in, that was a good over for Pakistan, a set batsman gone and only three runs.
Afridi has struck, and Rahane has fallen for his predictability. Targgetted the extra cover region again but this time there is a fielder in the deep. Virat Kohli walks in, that was a good over for Pakistan, a set batsman gone and only three runs.
Over 10: India 75/0; Gambhir 32, Rahane 41
Ajmal is back on and Rahane starts with another four, making room and lifted over extra cover for boundary. Pakistan's fielding -- or rather, misfields inside the circle -- have given India quite a few runs in this match so far, and they get two more here. Their fielding on the boundary is fine, it's the inner cordon that is a concern.
Ajmal is back on and Rahane starts with another four, making room and lifted over extra cover for boundary. Pakistan's fielding -- or rather, misfields inside the circle -- have given India quite a few runs in this match so far, and they get two more here. Their fielding on the boundary is fine, it's the inner cordon that is a concern.
Over 9: India 68/0; Gambhir 31, Rahane 35
Shahid Afridi to bowl, Hafeez seems to be in a hurry to bring on all his bowlers now, even as the Indian batsmen begin to settle down nicely. Two singles, then Gambhir goes down on one kneww for a ball that came on the off stump and slog-swept down the gap between mid wicket and long on, that went like a bullet. Four runs more, two each off the last two deliveries, and Gambhir finally seems to have decided to try and break the shackles. Ten from that over.
Shahid Afridi to bowl, Hafeez seems to be in a hurry to bring on all his bowlers now, even as the Indian batsmen begin to settle down nicely. Two singles, then Gambhir goes down on one kneww for a ball that came on the off stump and slog-swept down the gap between mid wicket and long on, that went like a bullet. Four runs more, two each off the last two deliveries, and Gambhir finally seems to have decided to try and break the shackles. Ten from that over.
Over 8: India 58/0; Gambhir 22, Rahane 34
Spin is introduced for the first time in this innings, Saeed Ajmal comes on. The world's top-rated bowler and leading wicket-taker in T20s starts with only two singles, but then Rahane messes his figures with a huge six, making room on the off side and sending the ball soaring high into the sky past the long on boundary. Rahane has no time for reputation.
Spin is introduced for the first time in this innings, Saeed Ajmal comes on. The world's top-rated bowler and leading wicket-taker in T20s starts with only two singles, but then Rahane messes his figures with a huge six, making room on the off side and sending the ball soaring high into the sky past the long on boundary. Rahane has no time for reputation.
Over 7: India 50/0; Gambhir 21, Rahane 27
Umar Gul comes on now to replace Irfan and Rahane welcomes him with another boundary. Pitched up, not completely to the pace of the ball but the timing is enough to send the ball between extra cover and mid off for four. Three singles, then Gambhir lifts a length ball over deep midwicket for a huge six. Fifty comes up for India, and that hit would give Gambhir a lot of confidence.
Umar Gul comes on now to replace Irfan and Rahane welcomes him with another boundary. Pitched up, not completely to the pace of the ball but the timing is enough to send the ball between extra cover and mid off for four. Three singles, then Gambhir lifts a length ball over deep midwicket for a huge six. Fifty comes up for India, and that hit would give Gambhir a lot of confidence.
Over 6: India 37/0; Gambhir 14, Rahane 21
Tanvir continues, both the opening bowlers have already bowled three overs each of their quota of four. Three singles to complete that over.
Tanvir continues, both the opening bowlers have already bowled three overs each of their quota of four. Three singles to complete that over.
Gambhir is still looking as uncomfortable as he has been throughout the series against England, and Rahane, in fact, seems far more comfortable against the Pakistani pacers. The young man appears to have decided to take the attack to the bowlers, and that shows his confidence levels in this high-pressure match.
Over 5: India 34/0; Gambhir 13, Rahane 19
Ball going down the legside from Irfan, then a single. Rahane then gets another four, lifted a full delivery over extra cover. Follws it with a single, the ball dropping close to the crease but the batsmen are already on their way for a run. Gambhir then gets two, bouncer at his throat and hit over short fine leg, good fielding by Ahmed Shahzad on the boundary.
Ball going down the legside from Irfan, then a single. Rahane then gets another four, lifted a full delivery over extra cover. Follws it with a single, the ball dropping close to the crease but the batsmen are already on their way for a run. Gambhir then gets two, bouncer at his throat and hit over short fine leg, good fielding by Ahmed Shahzad on the boundary.
Over 4: India 26/0; Gambhir 10, Rahane 14
A leg bye to Gambhir from Sohail Tanvir, then Rahane gets room, sends a short, wide ball past point for four. Then takes a single, outside edge going to third man. Gambhir's in air, beaten by a slower ball but the ball falls safely behind backward point and short of third man. Two runs, then a single, Rahane runs to make his ground as the direct hit misses.
A leg bye to Gambhir from Sohail Tanvir, then Rahane gets room, sends a short, wide ball past point for four. Then takes a single, outside edge going to third man. Gambhir's in air, beaten by a slower ball but the ball falls safely behind backward point and short of third man. Two runs, then a single, Rahane runs to make his ground as the direct hit misses.
Over 3: India 17/0; Gambhir 7, Rahane 9
Irfan continues, the ball on off beats Gambhir's bat and a glare. Then a single, into the body and worked on the leg side for one. Rahane gets a single. Gambhir drives uppishly at one past the man at point, then Rahane ends with a four, the first boundary of the innings. Slammed it through covers.
Irfan continues, the ball on off beats Gambhir's bat and a glare. Then a single, into the body and worked on the leg side for one. Rahane gets a single. Gambhir drives uppishly at one past the man at point, then Rahane ends with a four, the first boundary of the innings. Slammed it through covers.
Over 2: India 10/0; Gambhir 5, Rahane 4
Sohail Tanvir shares the new ball from the other end. Starts with dot, then Rahane works the ball through point for two quick runs, then a single through backward point, full on middle stump. Gambhir ends with a single to keep the strike.
Sohail Tanvir shares the new ball from the other end. Starts with dot, then Rahane works the ball through point for two quick runs, then a single through backward point, full on middle stump. Gambhir ends with a single to keep the strike.
Over 1: India 6/0; Gambhir 4, Rahane 1
Mohammad Irfan, the seven-feet plus fast bowler opens the bowling on his debut. Starts with a dot ball, then Gambhir turns wide of mid on for a single. Rahane gets a single too. Sharp stuff, lot of bounce, real fast, Gambhir gets an edge over point, gets three.
Mohammad Irfan, the seven-feet plus fast bowler opens the bowling on his debut. Starts with a dot ball, then Gambhir turns wide of mid on for a single. Rahane gets a single too. Sharp stuff, lot of bounce, real fast, Gambhir gets an edge over point, gets three.
Gambhir walks out amidst deafening noise, with Ajinkya Rahane, and the stadium is packed. But obviously. Gambhir has played in these conditions before, against this opposition. Rahane's baptism by fire is up.
The pressure is already showing, Hafeez has forgotten the players not playing in this match. Dhoni has won this contest, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will get his India cap, coming in for Awana. R Ashwin is also out, and that is a big call for India. Pakistan will be hoping this is the only slip-up, fast bowler Mohammad Irfan will debut for Pakistan.
Ravi Shastri leaves nothing to imagination when he calls this battle 'the mother of all battles' at the toss. Dhoni tosses the coin, Hafeez calls heads, and heads it is, Pakistan will bowl first. "There's something I think in the pitch for the seamers," Hafeez says, and Dhoni concurs.
MS Dhoni might say it is just another series but it isn't. India-Pakistan will always be a complex amalgam of love and hatred, drawing stars into strange reluctance, thrusting nobodies into the spotlight and turning cricket-baiters into flag-waving fanatics. And all this will re-start this evening, after a break of five years.
Which Pakistan turns up today at the field will decide what kind of cricket one gets to witness. For India, Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh will be the key, two players who have earned their spurs against the neighbours, thrive under pressure and can change the course of a match single-handedly.
The last time these two teams met, in the World Twenty20 in Colombo, India walked all over Pakistan, largely because of unexplainable defensive attitude of Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez right from the first ball itself. The team had been their usual sprightly self till then in the competition, and were back to playing aggressively in the next match, so it had to be pressure of an India-Pakistan game.
The series is happening. And India and Pakistan are ready to play each other, in a bilateral series, on Indian soil. And all this is true, real, fact -- and for those who still can't believe it, the clanging and clamour in Bangalore, the eyes fixated on television screens elsewhere and the opiated hysteria of all should do the trick.
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