India vs Pakistan 1983/84 (Part One)

Jan 26, 2022

India vs Pakistan 1983/84 (Part One) Image

Having lost both the Test and ODI series when they had last toured Pakistan, India were hoping for revenge when it was their turn to play hosts in the winter of 1983/84, with the visitors arriving to play three tests and two ODIs.

The action began with the first ODI, in Hyderabad.

In a match that was reduced to 46 overs a side due to weather, India won the toss and decided to field first. Pakistan were struggling at 36/4, but Javed Miandad brought some gloss to the scoreboard with an unbeaten 66, including four fours. However, only two others made it to double figures as India restricted them, to 151/8. Balwinder Sandhu was the most successful of the bowlers, taking 3-27.

In reply Sunil Gavaskar made 33, but it was Mohinder Amarnath who helped steer his side to victory, with an unbeaten 60, including six fours. India were always in touch with the asking rate. In the end, they reached their target with three overs to spare. They won by four wickets.

The sides convened again four days later at the first Test match, in Bangalore.

This time India batted after winning the toss. But despite Gavaskar making 42, they were struggling at 85/6 before Roger Binny and Madan Lal came together. They put on 156 for the seventh wicket, until Madan fell for 74, with 10 fours. Binny went on to make an unbeaten 83, as India were all out for 275. Tahir Naqqash was the most successful Pakistan bowler, taking 5-76.

Pakistan were reliant again on Miandad who held their innings together. However, having struck a six and six fours, he fell for 99, as Wasim Bari made 64 and Wasim Raja 39. Kapil Dev claimed 5-68.

When India batted for a second time, they had reached 176/0, when bad weather brought a premature end, and both sides had to settle for a draw. Gavaskar was unbeaten on 103, whilst Anshuman Gaekwad was 66 not out.