Yuvraj Singh led India's run-chase after a frenetic opening stand, as India thrashed Pakistan by seven wickets at Rawalpindi to level the five-match series 1-1. Set a target of 266, India romped home with almost seven overs to spare. Yuvraj remained unbeaten on 82, while Rahul Dravid played a fine hand too, scoring 56 off 61 balls, according to webside cricinfo. A blistering 105-run partnership between Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar gave India the advantage as they chased a target of 266. Sehwag made a splendid 60-ball 67 before an unerring throw from Umar Gul down on the fine-leg fence gave Pakistan hope. With Tendulkar having contributed an aggressive 42, Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh were piloting the pursuit as India reached 155 for 2 at the halfway stage of their innings. After a fairly sedate start, Sehwag exploded to life in the fifth over of the innings, slashing Rana Naved-ul-Hasan over point for six and creaming three more boundaries as 22 came from the over. Mohammad Asif was again the main threat, but after an initial cautious phase, even he was targeted, with Sehwag clipping fours through midwicket and point. Result: India won by 7 wickets Series: 5-ODI series level 1-1 Man of the Match: IK Pathan
|