Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh built on a solid platform laid down by Ganguly and Gambhir to give India a 1-0 lead in the ongoing Indian Oil cricket series. Dhoni scored a responsible 63 (77 balls, 8x4s) and Yuvraj made a fluent 58 (74 balls, 6x4s, 1×6) to add 105 runs for the fourth wicket. Robin Uthappa finished the match in style, hitting Shoiab Akhter for two boundaries.
Chasing a victory target of 240, the pair shared a century partnership for the fourth wicket.Pakistan bowlers claimed some late wickets as they wrapped up both the stars of Indian run chase.This effort came a bit too late as the duo of MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh had ensured a comfortable position for India before they departed.
“We bowled and batted well. Our fielding was also good,” Dhoni said at the post-match press conference.Shoaib said 239 was a defendable score but fielding errors let the team down.
Skipper Dhoni top-scored with 63 and Yuvraj made 58 as India surpassed Pakistan’s total of 239-7 with 18 balls to spare. Gambhir (44) went on to add 82 for the second wicket with Sourav Ganguly (39). Pakistan earlier rode on impressive half-centuries from middle-order batsman Mohammad Yousuf (83 not out) and left-handed opener Salman Butt (50) to reach a respectable total after winning the toss.