Pakistan Vs India Final ODI – Pakistan takes the Airtel series by 2-1

The game was certainly dedicated to bowling. Pakistan’s bowling attack has to be applauded for their tremendous efforts in keeping the hosts limited to 167. Saeed Ajmal being at the top of Pakistan’s bowling attack gave his career best including a five wicket haul having an economy of 2.48 in 9.4 overs. Mohammad Irfan performed brilliantly with the new ball that helped Pakistan in denting India’s top order. Junaid Khan gave the best economy rate of 1.88 creating substantial problems for the Indian Batsmen. Umar Gul and Mohammad Hafeez complemented the bowling attack brilliantly. MS Dhoni remained the highest scorer making 36 runs off 55 balls while Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja gave fair contributions. India was bowled out for 167 giving a target of just 168 to the visitors however Pakistan’s batting order fumbled making 168 looking like a score of 300. Kamran Akmal and Younis Khan were early strugglers whereas Nasir Jamshed remained steady and contributed valuable 34. The middle order of the Pakistani batting side was a major failure as they toiled to score. The Pakistani skipper maintained his calmness but failed to contribute big to the score board. Umar Akmal who was positive throughout the innings played a silly shot in the 40th over that cost his wicket at the crucial part of the innings. Mohammad Hafeez who had come to bat at no.6 due to his injury tried to finish the run chase however failed to do so due to lack of wickets and balls. The batting side failed to chase a low total of 168 giving the last match to India. The chance of a whitewash thus was lost. Team India can nonetheless be applauded for its impressive fielding and brilliant bowling by Ravindra Ashwin, Ishant Sharma and Shami Ahmed.

The man of the match was the much expected MS Dhoni for his crucial knock of 36 however much deserved was Saeed Ajmal for his impressive five-wicket haul.

Stay tuned for the in-depth analysis of the three match ODI series.

Match Summary

India 167 (43.4 ov)
Pakistan 157 (48.5 ov)

India won by 10 runs