The series is alive with Pakistan winning the 2nd ODI in Punjab. Cricket lovers were treated to a wonderful game on the occasion of Diwali festival, even though the result was a slight dampener for some of the India fans. But most Indians would also agree that this win by Pakistan revives the excitement for the remaining games in this series. Closer the games better the entertainment.
India won the toss and elected to bat as most would expect, with great start by Sachin and Gautham Gambir even after early loss of Saurav at 3rd ball of the day. Quick and long partnership of Sachin & Gautham took to India good position. Sachin missing his hundred by 1 run again (99). Is it got to do something with the 9 number jersey causing him to get out in the 90s? Well certainly India and Sachin wouldn't mind this as long as India wins the match. India also lost Gambir quickly after Sachin. Yuvraj and Sehwag tried to stabilize the boat from some good bowling of Pak especially Umar and Akhtar. India kept on losing wickets regularly and never capitilized fully the start provided by Sachin and Gautham. India were at one point 260-6 at end of 40 overs, if Indians had done some decent batting they could have crossed 350. But India lost the momentum late in the innings and with some good gusty batting from Harbajan result in India crossing 300 and final reach a competent score of 320 on a very good batting pitch with only 4 regular bowlers to defend this total.
Pakistan fielders were sluggish on the field with lots of miss fields and extra balls of around 6 overs. Pakistan starting with lots of confidence and bang with scoring 10 runs in the first over. Pakistan lost early wicket of Akmal, but Pak were able to make 80 odd runs on the board from first 15 overs. India pulled back Pak's scoring rate with some good tight bowling during the 3rd power play. India noticeably looked containing Pak rather than trying to take wickets, in other words India was defensive rather than being offensive with aggression. India might have missed the aggressive body language from the likes of Sreesanth. However for if you were watching the match during 20th over, you might have felt that India were at control. Yes they were in control, however not aggressive even after a big score on the board. Younis Khan played a sensible game of not panicking, while on other hand realizing with his experience that game is not won by random shots but with planning and sensible cricket. Misbha joined the party with good knock of 49, although getting dismissed playing is favorite and familiar shot of trying to play the back paddle. This partnership brought the life back in Pak's innings and the match. Younis Khan's effort paid of with bringing Pak close to a victory and in the end Afridi playing the neat finisher with good strokes and with help of some bad bowling and field placings. It was a very close finish with Pak having the upper hand at the end and won the match with 1 ball to spare. Man of the match went to the well deserved, planned and crafted innings of Younis Khan. As ever Indo Pak series is alive and kicking :)
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