Pakistan vs India 1989/90 (Part Six)

Feb 13, 2022

Pakistan vs India 1989/90 (Part Six) Image

With the first ODI officially abandoned, and the exhibition game that replaced it not recognised as an official match, the second ODI in Gujranwala was the first match in earnest between the two sides in their limited over series.

Weather problems before the start of the match meant that it was reduced to a 20-over-a side game. Further interruptions reduced it to just 16. 

India chose to field first after winning the toss, and they reduced Pakistan to 29/3 when Saeed Anwar came to the crease. He proceeded to hit 42 off 32 balls, including two sixes and four fours, enabling Pakistan to reach 87/9 from their allotted overs.

The innings featured four run outs.

In reply, India struggled to keep in touch with the asking rate, not helped by losing wickets at regular intervals. Mohammad Azharuddin top-scored with 21, but lacked support, while Sachin Tendulkar out for a second ball duck.

In the end, the best India could manage was 80/9, and Pakistan won by seven runs.

The third ODI in Karachi was overshadowed by events off the pitch. 

India had elected to bowl and the Pakistan innings had reached 28/3 when a riot in the crowd broke out, caused by anti-Indian sentiment.

The two British umpires took both teams off the pitch and the match was then abandoned on police advice.

Fortunately, the fourth ODI in Lahore could be completed, although weather again reduced the length of the match, this time to 37 overs a side.

Again, India won the toss and, in time honoured fashion, asked the home side to bat. Javed Miandad top-scored with 30, whilst Saleem Malik made 29, but India’s bowlers did good job of restricting them, to 150/8.

However, despite 31 from captain K. Srikkanth, India struggled, and were bowled out for just 112, with more than six overs still to be bowled.

Pakistan had won by 38 runs and claimed the series by two matches to nil.