The Hindu : India rebounds well to square series

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 22, 2004

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India rebounds well to square series

LAHORE, MARCH 21. Rahul `The Wall' Dravid and Mohammad Kaif today pulled off what looked like an impossible win after most of the top batsmen failed yet again, to level the five-match One-Day International cricket series, setting the stage for a grand finale between the arch-rivals here on Wednesday.

Tottering at 94 for 4 in 13 overs, Dravid yet again showed fine mental strength putting on a 68-run partnership with Yuvraj Singh for the fifth wicket and a record unbroken stand of 132 runs with Kaif that took the match away from Pakistan.

Chasing a challenging 294 under lights, India cantered to a comfortable victory reaching the target with as many as five wickets in hand and an equal number of overs to spare.

Dravid hit 76 off 92 balls with the help of nine fours while Kaif made 71 off 77 balls including eight boundaries to better the sixth wicket stand of 127 runs between Ajay Sharma and Mohammed Azharuddin against New Zealand in 1988.

The winning run was scored by Kaif as a few thousand Indian fans erupted into celebrations at the jam-packed Gaddafi Stadium.

With the series squared at 2-2, the two teams will now meet in another day-night tie at the same venue for the decider.

PTI

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