According to the Wisden Almanack, as mentioned by ESPNcricinfo, “despite the sizable South Asian expat population in Toronto, only 750 turned up for the rain-interrupted game”.
Those who cancelled their plans to come to the ground, possibly after noticing the weather forecast for the day, must have rued their luck as Sachin Tendulkar played an entertaining run-a-ball knock of 89 to lead India’s eight-wicket win.
After rain and wet outfield delayed the start of the match, it was reduced to a 33-overs-a-side affair and India captain Tendulkar had no hesitation in deciding to bowl first after winning the toss.
Pakistan were given a decent start off 44 runs by openers Saeed Anwar (46) and Aamer Sohail (12); but Javagal Srinath bowled a crafty spell of fast bowling to take 3 for 23, after which Anil Kumble took over with his spell of 3 for 32.
Only Ijaz Ahmed (35) put up some resistance for Pakistan, while Venkatesh Prasad assisted fellow pacer Srinath well by claiming two wickets (2 for 38) as Pakistan scored 170 for 9.
The Pakistan bowling attack, which had the legendary pace duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, had no answers to Tendulkar’s brilliance, who added 108 runs for the second wicket with Rahul Dravid (39) that took the steam out of Pakistan’s attack.
Mohammad Azharuddin then scored a classy 30 not out off 29 balls to partner Tendulkar. The pair added unbeaten 65 runs to take India to victory with 3.1 overs to spare.
