India had not toured Pakistan for almost eight years because of the political tensions between the two countries. However, the Friendship Cup, played in Canada, had provided a suitably neutral venue to stage games.
Then, just after a week after the two sides had met in Toronto, relations had thawed to such an extent that India embarked on a short tour of their neighbours as part of Pakistan’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations. It became known as the Wills Challenge Series, after the sponsor.
The series largely passed off peacefully, except for an interlude in the second ODI in Karachi where the Indian fielders were stoned by a section of the crowd, before the police restored order.
Rameez Raja had led Pakistan in Canada, and paid for their heavy defeat by being dropped. Saeed Anwar stepped up in his place.
The first ODI took place in Hyderabad on 26 September. India won the toss, but lost both openers cheaply, and it was left to Robin Singh and Mohammad Azharuddin to repair the innings. Then Rahul Dravid and Ajay Jadeja put on 89 for the fifth wicket, until Jadeja was dismissed for 41.
India were hoping to build on that platform, but instead suffered a dramatic collapse. The last five wickets fell for the addition of just five runs. Dravid made 50, but was powerless to prevent what was happening all around him. Aaqib Javed took 4-29 and Saqlain Mushtaq 3-13 as India were bowled out for 170 at the end of the 49th over.
Anwar and fellow opener Shahid Afridi got Pakistan’s chase off to a good start with a stand of 70 before Anwar fell for 30. Afridi made 45 and Ijaz Ahmed 22, and Pakistan were always ahead of the required run rate.
Inzamam ul-Haq then shepherded his side to their target with an unbeaten 35. In the end, Pakistan comfortably reached the desired total for the loss of five wickets and with more than five overs to spare.
Aaqib’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award.