SK Flashback: When India edged past Pakistan in a last over thriller in Dambulla

A messed up chase, but a successful one

Virender Sehwag had an uncharacteristic game

Chasing 268 would seem like a modest total for a batting powerhouse of India, but the Pakistan bowlers made it a hard grind for India. Virender Sehwag perished after playing an uncharacteristically slow knock after which India lost Virat Kohli cheaply to keep India reeling after the end of the 18^th over.

Gautam Gambhir and Mahendra Singh Dhoni got things back on track for India with a 98 run stand in 18 overs. However, Saeed Ajmal pinned Gambhir to re-ignite Pakistan’s hope of pulling off a victory. Rohit Sharma promised, but Afridi trapped him plumb in front of the wickets to give Pakistan their fourth wicket.

The body blow came in the form of Dhoni’s dismissal as Shoaib Malik bowled him round his legs. Jadeja followed suit as India stared at defeat with four wickets in the shed and 48 runs still to achieve in five overs.

Suresh Raina’s run out nearly sealed the deal for Pakistan

Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh threw the kitchen sink at everything to bring India tantalisingly close to the target. Nonetheless, Pakistan held their nerves to run Suresh Raina out as India still needed six runs from the last four deliveries.

With three runs required off the last two balls, Harbhajan smoked Mohammed Amir over mid-wicket for a six to seal the deal for India. Quite rightfully Gautam Gambhir was handed over the Man of the Match for his gritty knock of 83 runs.