On This Day: Canada held first ODI match which was India vs Pakistan clash
September 16, 1996, was an iconic day for Canada, as they held an ODI match on their soil for the match time, and that too was an India vs Pakistan match, where India dominated from the beginning.
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September 16, 1996, was an iconic day for Canada, as they held an ODI match on their soil for the match time, and that too was an India vs Pakistan match, where India dominated from the beginning.
Rain interruption shortened the over-limit of the match. The 50-over game was reduced to 33 overs for each team. Pakistan went to bat first and instantly found themselves on the wrong end. Their heavyweight batting lineup struggled throughout the innings, and somehow they managed to gather 170 runs after losing 9 wickets. Batters like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Saleem Malik, and Aamer Sohail were far away from their best, which eased the task for Indian bowlers. Saeed Anwar, who came to open the innings, added 46 runs with his bat, which was the best individual score for Pakistan in the game. Their second best of the day was Ijaz Ahmed's 35.
When the prime batters of Pakistan were outshined by Javagal Srinath, Anil Kumble, and Venkatesh Prasad, Saqlain Mushtaq was surprised with his batting. Out of nowhere, he notched 22 off 23 and remained not out. For his 22 from the lower order, Pakistan ultimately got 170 runs in total on the scoreboard.
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India consumed only 30 overs to wrap up the match. Sachin Tendulkar, who was the captain of India in that match, single-handedly took on Pakistani bowlers. He scored an unbeaten 89 in 89 balls and confirmed a swift win for the Men in Blue. Rahul Dravid contributed significantly with 39 off 50, and Mohammad Azharuddin played an aggressive 30-run knock. His partnership with Tendulkar remained unbroken in the game. Waqar Younis picked up a wicket, while star bowlers like Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq remained wicketless. The other wicket was claimed by Saleem Malik.
Surprisingly, the first ODI match in Canada was dull, not only for the weather but also for the large number of empty seats. According to media reports, only 750 viewers gathered in the gallery to witness the rivalry.
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