Men in Blue redeem themselves

Dravid won the toss for the 2nd consecutive day and decided to bat again, when the thought about the record 16 chases would have crossed his mind. It was a good decision and not the run of the mill variety, which forces you to stick to your strengths alone. Sehwag was back in his elements (man ! he loves the Paki attack) and Dravid played a methodical innings, which only he can play. Sehwag had his moments of fortune and hesitancy but in the end managed a very decent innings, clubbing a six too on the way. Dhoni played in a relatively restrained manner (by his own standards) but those behind the wicket drives off Malik were one splendid piece of improvisation. At the 40 over mark, India was well set for a finish around 300, with plenty of wickets in hand but Afridi/Asif and then Rana fought back superbly. Not withstanding a brief cameo from Yuvi, India ended up with a very 'chasable' 269.
When Pak batted, Pathan got a lucky break - getting Farhat for his 100th ODI wicket (Pathan is a mere 21 years age - imagine the distance he can go with this potential !!) and then cleaned up Afridi, who in the past had destroyed many an attack (and heart) from India. With that 'flesh in the thorn' Younus Khan going early, the victory was always round the corner but Inzi never gave up till his inevitable run out. The glee in Rahul's face, when he ran to the stumps to catch Inzi short, was very 'un Dravidish but I can understand that considering how Inzi had spoiled party so many times in the past. Inzi had his moments of fortune - he was atleast out 2 times to straight forward LBWs (Rudi ..watch out !!) and should have got caught too twice. Ramesh Powar bowled superbly and he has been one revealation indeed. His style is almost classical 'Prasanna' variety - no doosras but slow, slower and slower flighted ones with adequate spin. I wish Powar can get to some decent fitness levels and also improve his fielding. This type of bowling will also be ideal for tests too.
Coming back to the game, India fought well and were led well by Dravid. He should have got the man of the series rather than Inzi, in my opinion. The cricket calender will be inactive for a few days for India before the WI tour begins later. The next thing to look forward is the selectors meeting on 20th but I do not expect any surprises at all here.