The Indian genius fought back spasms to score 136 in an innings that brought back reminiscence of Sunil Gavaskar s masterful 96 scored on a Bangalore turner in the 1986-87 series. But as was the case in the Bangalore test, a Pakistani spinner got the crucial wicket that opened the doors to victory. Saqlain bagged five wickets in either innings to further press claims that he is the world s best off-break bowler. Pakistan won by 12 runs to end a classic battle of cricket. Second Test India lost that battle but the cricketing war resumed at Delhi with the home team keen to earn revenge.
Cricket is a great leveller indeed.
India came back strong to clinch the second test by 212 runs. For Pakistan, Saqlain took 5 wickets in each innings again. But the match will always be remembered for Anil Kumble's record-tying feat of taking all 10 wickets in an innings. The last time this had been accomplished was in 1956 by England's Jim Laker. He bowled three overs in which he dismissed two batsman, twice being on a hat trick.