The Hindu : Front Page : India clinches first-ever Test series in Pakistan

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Saturday, Apr 17, 2004

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Front Page

India clinches first-ever Test series in Pakistan

By Our Special Correspondent

Indian team members gather to savour a historic win against Pakistan in the third Test at Rawalpindi on Friday. - Photo: S. Subramanium

RAWALPINDI, APRIL 16. India made history at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Friday defeating Pakistan by an innings and 131 runs in the third Test. Sourav Ganguly's men have won the Samsung Test series 2-1.

This is India's first Test series triumph in Pakistan and it comes on the heels of its maiden One-Day International series victory (3-2) and first Test win — at Multan — in this country.

Pakistan was bowled out for 245 on the fourth day, losing eight wickets in 187 minutes of batting while adding 196 runs. It was all over 37 minutes after lunch for Pakistan when last man Danish Kaneria was caught by captain Sourav Ganguly off Sachin Tendulkar, who began his Test career in Pakistan in 1989.

For Pakistan, only the left-handed Asim Kamal (60 not out), who batted with resolve while braving an injured right forearm and elbow, and vice-captain Yousuf Youhana (48), offered some resistance.

Indian paceman L. Balaji and leg-spinner Anil Kumble struck crucial blows, finishing with three and four wickets in the innings respectively. Balaji snared Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq (9) outside the off-stump for wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel to hold the edge, while Kumble picked up a return catch to send back Youhana.

It was a complete team effort by India in the deciding Test of the series, with the pacemen dismissing Pakistan for 224 in the first innings, followed by vice-captain Rahul Dravid's epic 270 that enabled the side to grab a massive 376-run lead before the bowlers finished a clinical job.

Dravid was named the Man of the Match and Virender Sehwag, who made 309 at Multan, the highest individual score by an Indian in Tests, the Man of the Series.

The victory in the third Test here also marks India's first away Test series victory after beating Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka in 1993. The side, in the process, has also shrugged away an indifferent record in the deciding Tests away from home over the last four years.

The series produced exciting cricket all the way and several stirring performances have been scripted. It was also played in the right spirit for most part though the crowds for the Tests were thin. Those present were extremely appreciative of good cricket from both the sides.

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