The Friendship Cup 1996 (Part Two)

Feb 13, 2022

The Friendship Cup 1996 (Part Two) Image

The second match of the 1996 Friendship Cup was played the day after the first. This time Pakistan won the toss and chose to field.

Sachin Tendulkar and fellow opener Nayan Mongia went early, but Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Azharuddin put on 161 for the third wicket. Dravid made 90 off 114 balls, including eight fours, while Azharuddin scored 88 off 99 balls  with nine fours. A quick fire unbeaten 21 from Ajay Jadeja helped them post 264/6.

That looked a tough total to reach, but Pakistan judged their chase to perfection. Saeed Anwar, opening the batting, gave them a good start by making 80 off 78 balls, including three sixes. However, it was left to Saleem Malik to help steer them home.  He made an unbeaten 70 in 81 balls, including six fours,and shared an unbeaten stand for the ninth wicket of 45 with Saqlain Mushtaq, who only made 11.

Pakistan reached their target with one ball to spare, winning by two wickets.

The third ODI was played on 16 September. India won the toss and batted. Despite losing both openers, including Tendulkar, early, 46 from Dravid and 38 from Azharuddin gave them a solid platform. With Sunil Joshi providing late impetus with 31 scored off almost as many balls, including two sixes, they were able to post a final score of 191. Wasim Akram was the best of the Pakistan bowlers with 4-35 in nine overs. 

Pakistan really struggled in their reply, and soon found themselves at 16/3. It took 42 in 67 balls by Moin Khan to give their score any dint of respectability, but, nevertheless, they were bowled out for just 136 in the 43rd over.

Anil Kumble was the wrecker in chief for India with 4-12 from just seven overs, while Venkatesh Prasad claimed 3-22.

India had won by 55 runs.