The Friendship Cup of 1996 between India and Pakistan had proved such a success that the decision was taken to hold it again the following year.
Once again the tournament was held in September in Canada, a neutral venue, and once more all matches took place at the Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club.
India, who had been the losing team the previous year, were determined to exact revenge, and took matters seriously enough to play a warm-up match first, beating Canada by six wickets in a match reduced to 35 overs a side.
Robin Singh top scored for India with an unbeaten 57. For Canada, George Codrington scored 101 in 97 balls, but his efforts proved in vain.
Two days, later it was time for the real thing and the First ODI.
Pakistan won the toss and fielded. Although the top order fluffed their lines, Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja anchored the Indian innings, putting on 91 for the fourth wicket. Jadeja was the more aggressive of the pair, smashing four sixes in his 49, while Azharuddin (52) was content to just move the ball round the field, taking runs when the opportunity presented itself.
The last three Indian wickets all fell in the final over as they were all out for 208 off the last ball of their 50 overs, with Saqlain Mushtaq taking 5-45.
Pakistan lost early wickets, and were always struggling in their reply. Saleem Malik offered some hope with 64, but, apart from Saqlain, who scored 29, he lacked support. Several run outs did not help their cause either.
In the end they were all out for 188 in the 45th over.
Harvinder Singh was the most successful of the Indian bowlers with 3-44, but they had all played their part in keeping the run chase in check in what proved to be a 20-run victory.
It was the ideal start for India and helped set them up for the matches to come.