Sachin Tendulkar mentioned that he had jitters about this match as soon as the schedule was announced. This was not the first time he had played Pakistan. In a World Cup. Tendulkar had played starring roles in the first-ever match-up in 1992 while also appearing in 1996 and 1999 in supporting but critical roles. This time, Tendulkar thought that India had a good chance to win the Cup. He was playing well too. What would happen in the match against neighbors this time?
Saeed Anwar favors the Indian attack big time - witness his highest score in ODIs which remained at the top of the pile for a long time. Here too, he scored a century at the top of the order to take his team to a position of strength. Useful contributions from Yusuf and Younis meant that a stiff target was put on the board.
274 was not easy against an attack containing Akram, Waqar, Shoaib Akhtar, Razzaq and Afridi. Shoaib had made tall statements against Tendulkar in the media and he opened the bowling with Akram. But, Sachin has other ideas - the fourth ball of the over was cut over deep cover for a six, followed by couple of boundaries. The start was blistering - the fifty was raised in the fifth over. Despite the fall of Sehwag and Ganguly, Tendulkar continued his assault in the company of Kaif.
Falling two runs short of century, Sachin had ensured that India was in a comfortable situation to win the high-profile match. When Sachin fell in the 28th over, the asking rate was less than five runs. The dependable Rahul Dravid and energetic Yuvraj Singh took the team to the target, completing a fourth consecutive win in World Cups.
Saeed Anwar favors the Indian attack big time - witness his highest score in ODIs which remained at the top of the pile for a long time. Here too, he scored a century at the top of the order to take his team to a position of strength. Useful contributions from Yusuf and Younis meant that a stiff target was put on the board.
274 was not easy against an attack containing Akram, Waqar, Shoaib Akhtar, Razzaq and Afridi. Shoaib had made tall statements against Tendulkar in the media and he opened the bowling with Akram. But, Sachin has other ideas - the fourth ball of the over was cut over deep cover for a six, followed by couple of boundaries. The start was blistering - the fifty was raised in the fifth over. Despite the fall of Sehwag and Ganguly, Tendulkar continued his assault in the company of Kaif.
Falling two runs short of century, Sachin had ensured that India was in a comfortable situation to win the high-profile match. When Sachin fell in the 28th over, the asking rate was less than five runs. The dependable Rahul Dravid and energetic Yuvraj Singh took the team to the target, completing a fourth consecutive win in World Cups.
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