The Test series concluded in what to be an altogether dramatic match in Bangalore. The first four Test matches had largely seen bat dominate ball, but, in this match, conditions and the pitch favoured the bowlers.
It was the final Test match for Sunil Gavaskar. As a gesture, Indian captain Kapil Dev allowed him to perform the toss. Unfortunately, Imran Khan won the toss and chose to bat on a rank turner.
Kapil dismissed opener Rizwan-uz-Zaman cheaply, before Rameez Raja and Saleem Malik shared a partnership of 36. Then, as the pitch crumbled, a dramatic batting collapse followed. Pakistan lost six wickets for just 14 runs, Mahinder Singh (7-27) claiming five of them. No. 10 Iqbal Qasim and No. 11 Tauseef Ahmed took Pakistan past hundred, to 116.
India appeared to be on top in their reply, with Gavaskar and K. Srikkanth putting on 39 for the opening wicket. And with Dilip Vengsarkar scoring a half century, the home side had hopes of building a substantial lead. But they lost their last seven wickets for 43 runs, and their advantage was limited to just 29. Qasim claimed 5-48 and Tauseef 5-54.
Pakistan, batting for a second time, made a better fist of it, Rameez top-scoring with 47. However, they were still indebted to a ninth-wicket stand of 51, between Saleem Yousuf (41*) and Tauseef. Pakistan were all out for 249, Ravi Shastri taking 4-69.
That meant India needed 221 to win.
Gavaskar certainly did his part scoring 96, with 11 fours, demonstrating exceptional technique in keeping out Qasim and Tauseef on track that kept deteriorating. Unfortunately, Mohammad Azharuddin, the next-highest scorer, made only 26, one fewer than the 27 extras.
India were all out for 204, handing Pakistan a 16-run win. Qasim and Tauseef took four wickets apiece this time.
Pakistan had won the Test series, the other four matches have resulted in draws. This was the last series India lost at home in the 20th century.