We've won the first test match versus Pakistan by an innings and 52 runs. Well played India! A well deserved win. A comprehensive victory for India.

Virender Sehwag's 309 and Sachin's unbeaten 194 paved the way for a huge first innings score of 675 and once we'd that score, it was clear that the only team that would like to bat twice would be Pakistan. A lot has been said about the pitch. Why wasn't Pakistan able to play on the track where we scored 675? Our bowlers bowled better than their bowlers.

Irfan bowled a fantastic spell in the second innings and he provided the breakthrough in the first by taking Razzaq of the first ball of the fourth day's play. Irfan Pathan has given new strength to the Indian attack. Irfan took four wickets in the first innings and two in the second. Entertaining, daredevil, attacking batting by Virender Sehwag, the solidity of Sachin's inning, the breakthroughs provided by Irfan, the bowling of Anil Kumble - this would be the nth number of time, he has proven his abilities as a matchwinner; all of them paved the way for a historic Indian win in Pakistan.

A lot has been said about the declaration. My take on that would be, "All's well that ends well!" and if Sachin is happy (which he was, after taking Moin's wicket), why should we be upset? It's a game and we've won! So be happy, enjoy and eat sweets!

The Magic of Indian Batting at Multan.
Virender Sehwag's 'Bindaas' (that's the way he plays!) batting on day one.
The solidity of Akash Chopra's batting on the first day.
Sachin's chanceless innings on the first two days of the test.
The bowling of Irfan on the 3rd day. The bowling of Anil Kumble, the run out of Inzamam by Yuvraj on the 4th day and finally the wicket of Yousuf Youhana on the final day (I haven't seen that! I'm in office).
Dravid's astute captainship and handling of the bowlers during the Pakistan innings. He made good bowling changes, bringing Yuvraj on and he took Yasir Hameed's important wicket!

1st April 2004 won't be remembered as April Fool's Day! It will be remembered for India's First Test Win versus Pakistan in Pakistan and that too convincingly by an innings and 52 runs.

Well Played India! Well Played Irfan!

Irfan Pathan is the find of the tour. He played well in Australia and now he is our main fast bowler in Pakistan. He has performed exceedingly well in the series, so far. His bowling in the test match was exceptional. On a pitch where all the other fast bowlers were seen as average, Irfan consistently beat the batsmen and bagged six wickets in the match.

Now on to Lahore for the 2nd test.

Let Pakistan prepare any pitch. Now India is on a roll. Our time has come and no one can stop a team whose time has come!!!

Way to go India! All the Best!

Bye!
Chirayu