Pakistan vs India 1997 (Wills Challenge Series) (Part Two)

Feb 22, 2022

Pakistan vs India 1997 (Wills Challenge Series) (Part Two) Image

After Pakistan won the first ODI in Hyderabad, the two sides moved to Karachi for the second ODI.

It was to be a thrilling match, although, for some, it was marred by what happened during the Pakistan innings.

Although India had generally been warmly received in their brief time in Pakistan, a small yet vocal minority objected to their very presence in the country.

Unfortunately, they seemed to congregate in one section of the stand in Karachi. Inadequate crowd control led to a substantial number being allowed to enter with stones and other objects in their pockets.

The Pakistan innings was halted four times when stones were thrown at the Indian fielders. After the last incident, India refused to return to the field as captain Sachin Tendulkar citing security concerns. The match officials hastily decided to halt the Pakistan innings two balls into the 48th over. Three players – Abey Kuruvilla, Nilesh Kulkarni and Sourav Ganguly – were hit, but fortunately none was seriously injured.

Up to that point, opener Shahid Afridi had hit a quick fire 72 off 56 balls, including a six and nine fours, and Inzamam ul-Haq had had made an unbeaten 74 when the innings came to an abrupt halt.

Pakistan were 265/4 at the time. India were set 266 in 47 overs.

During the Friendship Cup earlier in the month, Sourav Ganguly had been a thorn in Pakistan's flesh with a series of all-round performances. Once again he came to the fore, making 89 in 117 balls, including 11 fours. 

He shared a stand of 98 for the second wicket with Vinod Kambli, who scored 53. Then it was left to Robin Singh and Saba Karim to put India within touching distance of their target, with a stand of 62 for the sixth wicket.

With eight to score off seven balls, Rajesh Chauhan hit Saqlain Mushtaq for a six. India in the end got there in the last over, with Robin unbeaten on 31 at the end.

It was the best possible way to answer the protesters.