Cricket: Two centuries boost India in one-dayer

Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid struck fighting centuries as India posted 281 for eight from 50 overs in the first one-day cricket international against Pakistan. The two shared in a 201-run stand of the third wicket, rescuing the hosts after they were reeling at four for two on a flat wicket. Sehwag cracked nine fours and three towering sixes in his explosive 95-ball 108 and Dravid had six hits to the fence in his 104 off 139.

The visitors got off to a great start, Rana Naved having Sachin Tendulkar (four) caught while hitting an awkward pull. Saurav Ganguly, battling critics of his poor batting form, did not do much to strengthen his case. The Indian captain was bowled round his legs for a first ball duck .

India could have been in deeper trouble with Sehwag dropped first-ball by Mohammad Hafeez at point and then again on eight when wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal could not hold on to an edge off Mohammad Sami.

Sehwag made Pakistan pay for those lapses, batting sedately till he got to his 50 and then going after the bowling.

The 26-year-old pulled, cut and drove viciously, racing from 50 to his seventh one-day 100 in just 29 balls. He was finally bowled by Abdul Razzaq while trying to heave him across the line.

 

- REUTERS