Draw on the cards in Lahore?

Will Saurav Ganguly play in Lahore? © Getty Images

Despite a good weather forecast, the draw is the overwhelming favourite at 8/11 (1.72) with bet365 for the first Test between Pakistan and India, which begins in Lahore on Friday. Pakistan are 12/5 (3.40) to pick up where they left off against England by winning the first match in the three-Test series, while India, coming off their win over Sri Lanka and looking for a second successive series win in Pakistan, are 18/5 (4.60) to kick off with a win.

Click here to bet on Pakistan v India at bet365

For the record, Pakistan have not lost to India in six Tests in Lahore and the Gaddafi Stadium was the scene of their lone win when India toured in 2004. In Pakistan, the home side have won six of the 23 matches, losing just two and drawing the other 15, which explains, in part, why the draw is such a strong favourite.

No prizes for guessing who bet365 have as their respective favourites to be top Pakistan and India batsman. Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, who averaged over 100 in the win over England, is 3/1 (4.00) to top score for his side in the first innings, ahead of Mohammad Yousuf at 4/1 (5.00), and Salman Butt and Younis Khan at 9/2 (5.50). Imran Farhat and Shoaib Malik are both 11/2 (6.50) while the dangerous but erratic Shahid Afridi is 8/1 (9.00). Inzamam has a stunning average of 65 in Lahore, while Farhat averages 52 from his two matches there. But it's Yousuf who comes out on top statistically, averageing 74 from eight Tests, helped by three centuries, including a double in the last Test there against England just before Christmas.

For India, Sachin Tendulkar tops the betting at 7/2 (4.50) but of all the grounds he's played on throughout his brilliant career, Lahore has not been a happy hunting ground, yet. In his two Tests there, he averages just 17, compared to his overall average of 56.71. However, he looked good in scoring 74 in India's opening match of the tour and it would be no surprise to see him rack up a record 36th century over the weekend.

The ever-consistent Rahul Dravid, the India captain, is 4/1 (5.00), as is opener Virender Sehwag, while Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman are both 11/2 (6.50) and former skipper Sourav Ganguly, fighting for his place in the side, is a 7/1 (8.00) chance to top score. Of those that have played there before, only Sehwag succeeded in Lahore, though he saved his 90 for the second innings.

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

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