On this day 26 years back, Canada hosted it’s first ODI, which was played between India and Pakistan. Here in this article, we have discussed on First ever ODI match in Canada hosted for India Vs Pakistan.
The first official ODI game in Canada was reduced to 33-over per side due to rain, in which India registered a comprehensive victory by 8 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the 5-match Sahara Cup series.
Pakistan, who lost had the first game of the series, went on to win the first edition of this Sahara Cup by 3-2, with the first game of this series was played on September 16, 1996.
India Vs Pakistan, 1st ODI in Canada
Batting first, Pakistan batters found it tough to score runs in Canada as apart from top-3 only the tenth number batter Saqlain Mushtaq touched the double-digit mark as a result the men in green were only managed to post 170 in a rain-interrupted match.
The top-3 contributed combined 93, and Mushtaq scored 22, while the other batters got out after scoring in single digits. However, 24 runs were earned from extras, otherwise they would might struggle to cross even the 150-mark.
For India, both Javgal Srinath and Anil Kumble bagged three-wickets each, while Venkatesh Prasad took two.
In reply, the Sachin-Tendulkar led side also faced a bit of dull moment when they lost their first wicket in the form of Nayan Mongia when they were at 18 only.
Then the captain and the young Rahul Dravid added 90 for the second wicket and brought India back in the game before the latter dismissed after playing a pressure soaking knock of 39 off 50.
The skipper then joined by Mohammad Azharuddin and both safely drove India to a convincing 8-wicket win over Pakistan.
Tendulkar remained unbeaten in the run-chase with his unbeaten run a ball knock of 80 off 89. While Azharuddin recorded 30* off 29.
All five games of this tournament were played in broad daylight at the Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club.
