Zeenews Bureau
Bangalore, Dec 09: Pakistan ace spinner Danish Kaneria took the prized wicket of Sourav Ganguly after the master batsman had scored 239 runs. He was clean bowled while he was trying to sweep the ball, missing the line completely. He was given a standing ovation by the fans at the stadium as India Test skipper Anil Kumble walked in to bat.
The dazzling duo of Sourav Ganguly and Irfan Pathan wrecked havoc on Pakistan bowlers and built up a 175 run partnership. They congregated the runs in very little time and took the team’s total to 602 runs post lunch. Pathan’s score had climbed up to 89 runs with Ganguly marching on at 238.
Ganguly slammed his first double century in Test cricket and powered his team past 500 runs. He was given solid support from Irfan Pathan as he too scored a half-century that came in quick time. The double century was marked with a plethora of inspiring shots and immaculate timing. Ganguly was at his formidable best throughout the innings and took the challenge offered by the Pakistani camp in his stride.
India were at a commanding 461 runs for the loss of six wickets as lunch was taken on the second day of the final Test match. He was supported by Irfan Pathan who was at a score of 18 runs.
Pakistan debutant seamer Yasir Arafat made his presence felt yet again in the match as he claimed his fourth victim. He dismissed Dinesh Karthik who edged a delivery of tight length into the hands of the wicketkeeper. He walked back to the pavilion after scoring 24 runs as India were 427 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. Irfan Pathan was the new batsman at the crease.
India’s first innings total spiralled past 400 runs as Sourav Ganguly completed 150 runs marked with a transcendent class rare in modern day Test cricket. The first session saw runs being scored freely as Dinesh Karthik provided apt support to the man-in-charge.
The Indian innings resumed on the second day of the final Test match against Pakistan with Ganguly and Karthik taking the charge. They started amassing runs from the word go and Ganguly looked in the fine nick he was in the day earlier.
The surprising news for many was the fact that Shoaib Akhtar was back on the field despite suffering from back spasms. His genuine eagerness to contribute in his team’s effort charmed many. With the overnight score of 365 runs, the batsmen would like to consolidate their batting effort to give their team a huge lead.
