Pakistan v India

At Peshawar, March 19, 2004. Pakistan won by four wickets. Toss: Pakistan.

What a difference a bowler's pitch makes. On a rugged surface, much like the surrounding terrain, a target of 245 looked as menacing as 300-plus in the earlier games. India seemed unlikely to get even that when they were condemned to 37 for three by Shabbir Ahmed. His height and high-arm action were perfect for the conditions, though his opening over contained six wides and two no-balls - plus a wicket. Tendulkar, like Sehwag, fell to a splendid delivery that jagged away, while Laxman was worked over and then bowled through the gate. Yuvraj Singh revived the cause with a superbly paced 65, and Balaji thrashed 21 off 12 balls. Pathan extended the fightback with two quick wickets, and Pakistan were soon 65 for four. Yasir Hameed, the home-town boy, scored a 98 of composure and beauty before he too fell to Pathan, at a delicate 173 for six. But Abdul Razzaq made an irresistible run-a-ball fifty and, once he escaped a stinging caught-and-bowled chance to Tendulkar at 200, the match was in the bag.

Man of the Match: Yasir Hameed.