Pakistan beat India into submission at Lahore

It may only be the first day, but my oh my, what a first day.

As reported earlier, after winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat, and after losing Salman Butt off a completely avoidable mixup, showed India that they were here to play. On a fairly placid pitch, what was needed batting first were no mistakes. Pakistan made almost none. Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan settled down the Pakistani nerves, and over the course of 40 overs, put on a steady 120 runs with control and almost palpable discipline. Shoaib Malik must not have enjoyed his lunch, because within a few overs he was dismissed off a loose shot. Perhaps he was trying to up the pace or he was tired, but he did his job well scoring 59. I would be the first to say that I had hoped Imran Farhat would be selected over Shoaib Malik, but Shoaib settled himself down and played a very good innings.

And then it all exploded. A 190 runs were put on by Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan off 40 overs, a rate of almost 5 an over, which is almost unheard of in test cricket. Pathan, Agarkar, Harbhajan and Kumble were all dealt with decisively and the Indian fielders were run ragged all over the field. All in all, Younis and Yousuf took their advantage and used it to beat any and all resistance out of India on this first day.

India will not lie down and take a beating continuously. Dravid's quiet strength and Chappell's experience and resistance will not let them. Their pride will not allow them that. Tomorrow, they will come back with a vengeance, bowling a tight line and length and forcing the Pakistani batsmen to slow down their rate and to show more of the discipline they showed today. If by the end of the day tomorrow, they reach a target in excess of 500, and that is extremely possible with Inzamam, Afridi and Akmal to come. Younis and Yousuf will do well to turn their scores into even bigger ones. Day 1 to Pakistan, now watch for the Indian fight back.