India messes chase, Pak wins !

India messed with the chase to hand over a comfortable 54 run win to Pakistan in an important match. India now stares down the barrel with two matches against Australia and West Indies, requiring to win both the matches. India chasing Pakistan’s mammoth 302 started of well with Dravid and Gambhir adding 67 for the second wicket. India then quickly lost Gambhir, Kohli and captain Dhoni at score of 133. Raina counter attacked the Pakistan’s bowlers and results were soon visible. He in the presence of Dravid added 72 runs for fifth wicket. Two quick wickets in succession of Raina and Yusuf Pathan put India back in trouble. But still Dravid around and run rate manageable, India still had a hope. The final nail in the defeat coffin was however laid by Indians themselves when Dravid and Harbhajan messed up for a third run. Two dismissals as run outs of Gambhir and Dravid made all the difference. For Pakistan spinners Ajmal and Afridi bowled tight spells in middle overs sharing 19 overs for mere 70 runs and picking up 4 wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan managed a huge total of 302, after initial hitch up at 65 for 3. Yousuf and Man of the Match Malik combined together for a mammoth 206 fourth wicket partnership. It was sensible batting initially by both Yousuf and Malik to pull the team out of crisis. This was supplemented by some poor bowling by Indians, specifically Harbhajan who had an off day going for 71 runs in his 10 overs. Malik completed his century, but Yousuf missed out on a well deserved one. India managed a pretty decent last 3 overs to pull things back. Barring Ashish Nehra, other bowlers looked out of sorts. It was a fitting verdict as Pakistan was more disciplined team.