Rocking on to the backfoot, Sachin Tendulkar sent the short pitched delivery from Shoaib Akhtar to the point boundary with his favorite cut shot to seal the victory for India at Feroz Shah Kotla on the day 5 of the first test against Pakistan. Requiring a meager 32 runs to win, India just took 6.2 overs to complete the formalities and record a thumping win against Pakistan. Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 56, while VVS Laxman was 6 not out. India beat Pakistan with 6 wickets in hand. India leads the three match series 1-0.

The day started on a disappointing note with Saurav Ganguly getting out on the very first over of the morning, trying to pull Shoaib Akhtar, only to find the hands of Sohail Tanvir at fine leg. Ganguly departed without adding anything to his overnight score of 48, just two runs short of what could have been his 30th test half-century. Ganguly scored 48 in 64 balls with 8 well timed boundaries.

It was a proud moment for captain Anil Kumble. In a post match interview, Kumble said

It is very special to start being captain of India and winning the test.

Kumble’s tryst with Feroz Shah Kotla continues to remain intact as the 37 year old leg spinner was adjudged Man of the Match for his match winning performance of 7 for 106, besides scoring a fighting 24 in the first innings.

Triumphant Kumble in his post match interview said,

This ground has been very special, everything had happened on this ground. I think the boys responded really well and bowling out Pakistan below 250 in both innings was creditable. The partnerships between Laxman and Dhoni, Dravid and Jaffer and Sachin and Ganguly were all very crucial. It was excellent to get into the [bowling] groove right away. Three months is a long break at my age and I’m very happy with my performance.

The match assumes great significance for those who closely follow records as Sachin Tendulkar became the second highest test run-scorer with his unbeaten 56 in the second innings. Playing in his 142nd test, Sachin went past Allan Border’s aggregate of 11,174 runs on his unbeaten knock chasing a fourth innings total of 203.

Sachin is one step below the legendary Brian Lara who tops the list for most of number of runs in test cricket with 11,953 runs. As he has broken all the records as a batsman, it won’t take long for Sachin to go past Lara.

The second test begins on November 30 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Via: Reuters.UK138098