†INDIA v PAKISTAN 1984-85

At Melbourne, February 20 (day/night). India won by six wickets. Except when Imran Khan was taking three wickets in six overs for 13 runs at the start of India's innings, Pakistan had a very disappointing match. Having won the toss and chosen to bat, they soon fell badly behind the clock as India's medium-paced bowlers moved the ball around. When Gavaskar introduced spin, Shastri was more economical than anyone and Siva took two useful wickets. India fielded excellently. Playing his first match for Pakistan for over a year, Imran threatened to turn the tables on India when they went in needing 184 to win; but Azharuddin and Gavaskar, coming together at 27 for three, added 132 in 31 overs so that in the end India won easing up. Fresh from his triumphs against England in India, Azharuddin created a brilliant impression on his first appearance in Australia. He survived one chance - to the wicket-keeper off Tahir Naqqash when he was 37 - and his 93 not out came off 135 balls.

Man of the Match: M. Azharuddin. Attendance: 6,956.