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Pakistan wins a thriller

Pakistan's batsmen staged a thrilling run chase to see off India in Ahmedabad and level the one-day series at 2-2.

India looked to have set an impossible target as Sachin Tendulkar's 123 led them to an imposing 315-6 in a match shortened to 48 overs per side.

But impressive contributions from all Pakistan's top order helped them make 319-7 to overhaul a 300-plus total for the first time in their history.

Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq (60 not out) hit a four off the last ball to win it.

Pakistan's hopes of squaring the series had appeared bleak when, after an hour's delay due to a damp wicket, they lost the toss and India chose to bat.

Tendulkar promptly took full advantage of some lacklustre bowling to notch up his 38th one-day century.

He made a rapid start in partnership with Virender Sehwag, who scored 29 before he was run out by a sharp throw from Younis Khan.

Mahendra Dhoni weighed in with an impressive 47 until caught behind by Kamran Akmal off Shoaib Malik, and captain Sourav Ganguly made 18 before he was run out.


Tendulkar, forced to use a runner as cramp set in, finally fell in the next over as he was bowled by Malik.

Rahul Dravid (19) and Yuvraj Singh (35 not out) added useful runs at the end of the innings.

Pakistan began their reply with a flurry of ambitous shots, Shahid Afridi (40) and Salman Butt (48) scoring rapidly to bring up the 100 in the 14th over.

Abdul Razzaq kept the scoreboard ticking over with a patient 44 before he lofted a catch off Tendulkar's bowling to Murali Kartik.

Pakistan had just begun to assume command when they lost two wickets in as many overs.

Malik had scored 65 when he lofted a delivery from Kartik to Lakshmipathy Balaji at long on, and Zaheer Khan had Yousuf Youhana (11) caught by the same fielder.

Two run-outs then had the tourists wobbling again as Younis perished trying to steal a second run and Akmal fell to a pinpoint throw from Ashish Nehra.

Pakistan were left needing three runs off the last over, and then one off the last ball, as the crowd held their breath.

Tendulkar did not bring the field in until his final delivery, and Inzamam held his nerve to cut the winning boundary.