It was the day of the Third ODI of the Indian Oil Cup between the arch rivals India and Pakistan. Both the teams had kept the series alive by having 1 all in the series. Pakistan came up with the advantage after the sensational win in the last ODI. India came on to the ground with a postive attitude.
Initially Shoib Malik of Pakistan won the toss and elected to field on a surface where the batting was just a difficult one. First over first ball Shoib Akthar had the pace and the swing. He made Ganguly to have a touch of the ball and carry it to the wicket-keeper. Everything was there, but to luck. Kamran Akmal dropped the catch. Then the runs started to pace up on a speedy note with a good partnership between Sachin and Saurav. Ganguly had a good touch and stayed along for a 39 runs stand, after Sachin’s dismissal for 29 runs. Then Gambhir too stared to get runs with Saurav. Then came in the vice-captain Yivi with an in-form performance in the lase couple of series. He made 77 runs stand and join hands with the captain for a sensational 100 runs partnership between them. The ground’s average score was 225, but the Indians landed up to 294 runs, which was the highest score in Kanpur. Sohail Tanvir and Abdul Rehman took 2 wickets each and Shoib Akhtar and Gul took one wicket each.
The Pakistan came on to bat with a big score on the board that too on a slow pitch. But to all surprises, Salman Butt’s partner was Boom Boom Shahid Afridi. They too got the scores ticking continuously. Later Pathan got the break through of Afridi. But Salman Butt was the in-form batsman. He kept oon continuing his performance on the field and got to his 50 soon. Then the runs got slower, and players were returning to the pavillion at regular intervals. But Salman Butt stayed at the crease, and to his 4th century of his career. It is to be noted that all his 4 centuries have come only against India. Then the Pakistanis were all out for 248. A superb all-round performance of the Indians got its victory. RP SIngh though he was too expensive took 3 wickets and Pathan, Zaheer, Yuvi, Bhaji, Karthik got one wicket each.
Yuvraj Singh was adjudged the Player of the Match for his 77 runs stand and a wicket, and also ending up with a great run out of Mohd. Yousuf. The host Indians once again take up the lead with 2-1. The next match would be played at Gwalior and would be a day-night match.
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