The breakdown in political and diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan in the early 1990s spelled an end to bilateral tours for a while. That hiatus meant that it would be almost a decade before hostilities were resumed between the two neighbours in the test arena.
Instead, the two sides first met again on a cricket pitch in an ODI series in 1996 in Toronto, Canada, a suitably neutral venue.
It was called the Friendship Cup, and consisted of five ODIS played in the space of a week in September of that year.
The first ODI was scheduled for 14 September. but was delayed by two days because of rain, which also saw this match reduced to 33 overs a side.
India won the toss and fielded first.
Opener Saeed Anwar gave them a good start with 46, and Ijaz Ahmed made 35. But, with the dismissal of those two, the innings lost its way, with seven wickets falling for the addition of 55. It needed a late 22 from Saqlain Mushtaq to make their final score of 170/9. Nevertheless, extras being the third-highest scorer indicates the inconsistency of the Pakistan batting. For India, Javagal Srinath took 3-23 and Anil Kumble 3-32.
The scene was set for a Sachin Tendulkar masterclass. The Indian captain survived the early loss of opening partner Nayan Mongia to put on 89 for the second wicket with Rahul Dravid, who was happy to play second fiddle. Dravid fell for 39, but Tendulkar continued with Mohammad Azharuddin, and together they knocked off the remaining required runs with a minimum of fuss, reaching their target with more than two overs in time.
Azharuddin was unbeaten on 30 at the end, having struck 2 sixes, but the plaudits belonged to his skipper. Tendulkar was 89 not out, scored at a run a ball, having struck three sixes and nine fours.
India had won by eight wickets. Naming Tendulkar Player of the Match must have been an easy decision for the adjudicator.