†INDIA v NEW ZEALAND 1985-86

At Adelaide, January 25. India won by five wickets, thus ending a run of three defeats. The result reflected a marked improvement in their bowling and fielding, although Hadlee was dropped at mid-wicket when 9 with New Zealand 75 for six and went on to make a rousing 71 with two 6s and five 4s before he was out in the last over. India, again without Gavaskar, could not come to terms easily with the green, lively pitch and were 26 for three after fifteen overs. They were no more comfortably placed when Vengsarkar was fourth out for a handsome 32, but the initiative was wrested by a partnership of 73 between Azharuddin, who hit eight boundaries and was gloriously dominant against the off-spin of Bracewell, and Malhotra. Once again the team winning the toss the match.

Man of the Match: M. Azharuddin. Attendance: 8,782.