India steamrollered Pakistan in the last one-dayer to win the series by the most impressive margin of 4-1. It was a standout performance, for the Indian team in this last game went in without two players who had made a significant contribution to their series win. With Tendulkar and Pathan not playing there was a chance given to Powar who grabbed it impressively and showed that there’s an alternative available though of course it’s still too early to say that he will be match-winner. Certainly his attitude and the confidence he showed while bowling indicated a good temperament, which is invariably half the battle in international cricket.
The toss wasn’t a major factor but it allowed India to continue their tactics of chasing the target set by Pakistan and with the start that Pakistan got it looked as if it might be a stiff one. However, Imran Farhat let his side down by falling to the hook shot once more and that started the slide, though it was halted by the guys who did India most damage in the Test series, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf. Their partnership not only steadied the rocking Pakistani boat but gave it substance. Pakistan have missed a trick or two in persisting with Akmal as an opener for though he has been a success at that position previously as also been in form in the Test series, he could have been more use to Pakistan in the final overs where with less movement of the ball he could have helped propel Pakistan’s score. Shoaib Malik opens in Tests so he was a logical choice for one-dayers too but Pakistan have shuffled their batting order and thus given India’s new-ball bowlers the chance to make early inroads and thus put pressure on the later batsmen. Sreesanth used the short ball to good effect and with R.P. Singh and Agarkar picking wickets at right moments Pakistan were never allowed to get away. On a pitch as good as this for batting and with a fast outfield they needed another 30 runs to put India under real pressure.
Mind you, even when there was a bit of pressure with 20 overs or so to go, the Indians did not panic. Dravid had shored up the innings nicely in his usual ‘no fuss’ manner and intelligently promoted in form Yuvraj Singh to the No. 3 position.
The southpaw continued his great form with a scintillating century and he and Mahendra Singh Dhoni have gelled so well at the crease that even when the asking rate climbed to over 8 runs per over there seemed to be no panic at all. Dhoni has displayed remarkable temperament and his no nonsense hitting brings spectators to their feet and the opposition to their knees. The way he finished off the match leaving India three overs to spare is great for India of course but may not be so for TV channels who depend on the match going the full distance for their revenues.
Yuvraj’s injury though is a worry as he is in prime form and India play the first Test against England in 10 days’ time. Hopefully he will be fit in time for that. With this superb win, the Indians will be looking forward to the England series and to maintain their superiority on home soil. Well-done Rahul and company!
