Even though the Peshawar match was not a high-scoring one the sheer drama and romance of the fare and the portrayal of vivacious cricket enthralled all those who witnessed this battle royal, particularly the spectators who had filled like sardines the environs of Arbab Niaz Stadium.
Pakistan won the tie by four wickets and took a 2-1 lead in the series but it cannot be said that it was an easy going for the hosts even though the Indian score was a moderate 244 in 50 overs.
In the end it was the sense of fortitude and pugnacity of Abdul Razzaq and Moin Khan that won the day for Pakistan, not forgetting the skilful and assured 98 of opener Yasir Hameed, who was unlucky to miss the coveted three figures.
The Indians, who were sent in first, were in hot water on a wicket kicking and lifting. The early dismissal of Tendulkar, with all the strokes at his command, by medium-pacer Shabbir, came as a bolt from the blue to the Indians and a pleasant shock to the Pakistani onlookers. But when Sehwag and Laxman followed in sequential order to the fire and penetration of Shabbir, having come with tips from Australia, the visitors were in real trouble, passing through a harrowing experience. Ganguly, Dravid and Yuvraj tried to stem the rot.
The lower order too added to the Indian score more through the wayward bowling of Pakistan's key pacer, Shoaib Akhtar, than by the virtues of solid and confident batting.
In fact 104 runs were plundered by the Indian lower order mainly due to the irresponsible long hops of Shoaib Akhtar and Sami.
A score of 244 was not a high total but when Shahid Afridi was beaten all ends up by Irfan Pathan, the Indian fast-medium, and Younis Khan was unfortunately run out having left the crease at the non-striker's end at 55 for 3 no soothsayer could have predicted the outcome.
It was only the polished batsmanship of Yasir Hameed, who held his nerves while his seniors were making a return pavilion-ward, and the admirable and sensible batting of Razzaq and Moin Khan that helped Pakistan coast to a triumph.
Moin and Razzaq showed that they had the energy, the wherewithal, and best of all the stern and strong nerves to thrill and delight the fans with a happy victory.
The turn of the events, the swaying fortune of the game made even the Peshawar match an edge-of-the-seat contest.
Shabbir, no doubt, sent back three Indian batsmen showing two-way swing but to the consternation of the Pakistani supporters he had sent 12 wides and three no-balls, which gave the Indians the advantage of 15 more balls to play.
Similarly the carelessness of Sami was saddening to watch. In all, the Pakistani bowlers gave away 33 extras, which the coach and the manager should try to cut down to a minimal level of international contests. The fielding too needs honing up, most of the rival batsman got 'lives.'
For the next engagement it is hoped Taufiq Umar is given a place at the one-down slot, replacing Younus Khan, who has not yet flowered into a genuine one-day batsman, a strong driver of the ball. Again an epic encounter cannot be ruled out.
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