India suffered a 54-run defeat to Pakistan in their ICC Champions Trophy 2009 opener. Poor bowling performance was responsible for India’s defeat. Batting first Pakistan scored 302 runs in their allotted 50 overs losing 9 wickets. Pakistan lost 3 wickets at 65, but a third wicket contribution of 206 runs from Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf set up a huge target for India. Malik played an excellent innings of 128, while Yousuf scored 87 runs. Ashish Nehra picked up 4 wickets, while Indian spinners failed to live up to the expectation.
Chasing a huge target, India was well on course until Raful Dravid was at the wicket. Tendulkar failed to score big, but his opening partner Gautam Gambhir scored an excellent half century, while Raina’s 41-ball 46 kept India’s hope alight until late in the game. Gambhir scored 57 off 46, but India’s highest score came from Dravid’s bat as he scored 76 runs off 103. Pakistan bowlers bowled very well, except Gul. Aamer, Rana Naved, Ajmal and Afridi all picked up 2 wickets each. Malik was awarded the man of the match award for his excellent half century.
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