After Pakistan won the first ODI, the teams reconvened in Kolkata for the second, the New Year having occurred in the meantime.
India who won the toss and chose to field, but the decision backfired when Nasir Jamshed and Mohammad Hafeez shared a stand of 141 for the first wicket in just under 24 overs. Hafeez, who played the more attacking innings, was the first to go. He was bowled for a 74-ball 76 that included 10 fours.
India then did well to keep the run rate down and taking wickets regularly, ensured there was no further big partnership. But Jamshed kept the scoreboard moving, and reached his hundred before being finally stumped off Ravindra Jadeja for 106. He had faced 124 balls, and hit two sixes and 12 fours.
Forty more runs was added by the lower order, although Pakistan did commit the cardinal sin, in some eyes, of not batting out their overs. They were all out for 250 with nine balls still to be bowled. For India, Ishant Sharma took 3-34 and Jadeja 3-41.
India started well. Virender Sehwag, back at the top of the order, made 31, but a flurry of quick wickets left them at 70/4. Captain M.S. Dhoni looked to rally his troops but lacked real support as batters continued to get themselves out.
In the end he simply ran out of partners, and was left stranded on 54 not out. He had faced 89 balls, and hit a six and four fours. The fact that after Dhoni and Sehwag, India’s joint top scorer on the day was extras with 18, is an indication of where their problems lay.
India were all out for 165 at the end of the 48th over. For Pakistan, Saeed Ajmal had 3-20, while Junaid Khan also impressed with 3-39. Player of the Match honours went to Jamshed for his fine innings.
The win meant that Pakistan had taken an unassailable lead in the best-of-three match series.