It was a good all-round performance by India at Guwahati on Monday. After Malik chose to bat on a sluggish pitch, Salman Butt was the day's morning hero as he stroke the ball so sweetly for his 50, studded with 8 boundaries. But for Yousuf's 83 not out, Pakistan would have ended with a far lesser total than 239/7 even as the visitors felt Inzamam's absence. After Sachin's early exit, Gambhir missed his 50 only by 6 runs but was involved in a brisk partnership with Ganguly before being bowled by an Afridi special! Dhoni-Yuvi partnership scotched the visitors' chances of clawing back into the match with an enterprising century stand. Few would disagree that it was Bhajji-Murali bowling partnership who conceded just 65 runs between them in their 20 overs, that won the match for the hosts. The Indian skipper deservingly won the MOM award.
