If Pakistan is winning India cannot be far behind! And
vice versa! Whatever one of these two great competitive neighbors do the other
can hardly accept and instead of reciprocation they prefer to retaliate! In
politics non-acceptance translates shamelessly into denial, and in cricket
defeat translates seamlessly into victory. Of course, Pakistan won
the toss both the times and chased both the times…maybe that was unavoidable.
But after Pakistan won the
first T20 international cricket match in Bangalore
India
was in grave national danger of losing the Series and facing the music. That
too…after five long years and being the benevolent hosts. Therefore India had to retaliate or rather deny Pakistan
another victory. India won the second and last T20 international in Ahmedabad
tonight defeating a valiant Pakistan by 11 runs thus sharing the honors equally
with the Series drawn 1-1. 
Player of the
Match Yuvraj Singh has delivered a tremendous match winning performance
bringing back his past glory so emphatically. Put into bat India made a
rousing start with openers piling up 44 runs in less than five overs. But when
Gambhir got out at the team score at 44 followed by Rahane at 53 and Virat
Kohli falling to a run out at 88/3 in 12 overs the familiar Indian story was
unfolding again. But Yuvraj Singh had different ideas this time around. With a
healthy run rate still maintained he blazed away to a stupendous 72 run knock
in just 36 balls with 7 sixes and 4 fours. Skipper Dhoni (33 not out) gave him
solid support and India
reached a commanding total of 192/5 in allotted 20 overs. Though hit initially
Umar Gul was brilliant again capturing four wickets—the only wicket taker for Pakistan.
Pakistan gave a
fitting reply with openers Jamshed and Shehzad piling up 74 runs in about 10
overs when Ashwin made the first breakthrough. Yuvraj made it 84/2 the next
over. Player of the Series Hafeez (55 not out) laid anchors for another crucial
partnership with Umar Akmal. When Pakistan reached 146 in 16 overs
looking set for an improbable victory the wickets started tumbling. The
climbing asking rate and an accurate Dinda contributed largely to the slide. Finally
the total of 192 proved too much for Pakistan and they folded up for
181/7 in allotted 20 overs. Continuing with his lapses behind the wicket
captain Dhoni managed to save the T20 Cricket Series for now though. With the
twists and turns part and parcel of the classic encounters between the two and
the vice-versa factor added as a topping the three-match One-Day
International Cricket Series that kicks off in Chennai on 30th
December does not pretend to be but is indeed a mouth watering prospect. The Scorecard:
