CALCUTTA: Despite a brilliant start, the Indian Batsmen faltered yet again at the crucial moment, to crash to a 7run defeat at the hands of archrival Pakistan in the last league match of the MRF world series for the Nehru Cup at the Eden Gardens in this capital city of the eastern Indian state of ‘west Bengal Saturday.
Pakistan, who needed nothing less than a victory to ensure a berth in the semifinals, did just that, and in great style too, dis missing India for 202 in 42.3 overs.
Facing a target of 280, the Indian openers gave the side a dazzling start with Skipper Spikkanth and Lamba scoring 120 in 22 overs, After their departure, the middle order caved in with hone to put up any resistance. Earlier, put in to bat, Pakistan amassed 279. for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 50 overs mainly due to some fine batting by Aamir Malik(51), Rameez Raja (77) and Imran Kahan (47), Imran was adjudged the man of the match.
Pakistan’s win bas thrown the aussies out of the tournament as they had secured only eight points against 12 by the four qualifying teams, The semifinalists are England, India, Pakistan and West Indies.
With two convincing victories under India’s belt, the 75,000strong crowd expected a keen tussle between the two traditional rivals. But again it was a touch ‘of nerves for India. It failed to take the upper hand after a solid start. The Indians have beaten Pakistan only twice in the last 20 encounters.
With Srinkkanth and Lamba in full cry, the Indian scoring rate was far ahead of their rivals’ in the initial overs, with the hosts racing to 112 for no loss in the first20 overs.
With Imran keeping himself and Abdul Qadir reserved for the crucial overs, Indian ‘openers went on merry making at the cost of youngsters, Akram Raza and Mushtaque ‘Ahmed, as they plundered 42 runs in the four overs starting from the 17th.
Lamba was more enterprising of the two ‘as he swept Raza fora four in the 19th over and then lofted him over mid-on for a six. In the next over he pulled Mushtaq for ‘another six over midwicket to reach his sixth 50 in one day internationals.
Imran’s move to bring Qadirand Qasim Akram into the attack paid dividends as Lamba, trying to loft Qadir, was caught by Mushtaq at mid-off after making 57 in 63 balls with the help of four fours and three sixes.
Sprinkkanth, who had also completed his 50 before Lambe’s departure. Went back to the Pavilion in Qadir’s next over. Being run out in an unfortunate manner,
He swept Qadire to deep fine leg and ‘was returning for the second run when he fell in the middle of the pitch and failed to reach his crease. He made 65 with the help of six fours in 75 balls.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 3, 1989
