India scored a 29-run win over Pakistan in the World Cup cricket semi-final battle that was witnessed by the prime ministers of the two countries. Dubbed as the world's greatest sport battle in terms of sheer fan following, and in appreciation of cricket's total grip of the subcontinent, the match lived up to its enormous pregame buildup, with both sides hostility almost till the end amid extraordinary security that even included a no-fly zone.
The game in the packed stadium in Mohali, a north Indian town near New Delhi, saw India, batting first, posting 260 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the regulation 50 overs. Pakistan could only score 231 runs in reply after losing all its 10 wickets, leaving a deficit of 29 runs despite some spirited batting by Mohammad Hafeez (43) and Misbah-ul-Haq (56).
For India, the hero was once again Sachin Tendulkar, the master blaster whose 85 in 115 balls ensured his side would end up with a decent total. Tendulkar was well assisted by Virender Sehwag (38) and Suresh Raina (36 Not Out). Pakistan's bowling was spearheaded by pacer Wahab Riaz who returned an impressive tally of 5 for 46 runs. Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, in a stadium interview, apologized to his nation for his team's loss while congratulating India. His Indian counterpart M.S. Dhoni said Pakistan played well and praised his teammates for their fielding and bowling.
Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and a number of Pakistani officials flew into Mohali to witness the match at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.The two leaders also used the occasion, termed by some as cricket diplomacy, to hold talks designed to repair the intensely strained relations between the two neighbors in the wake of the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed nearly 170 lives. India says the attacks were masterminded by terror groups in Pakistan.
The game in the packed stadium in Mohali, a north Indian town near New Delhi, saw India, batting first, posting 260 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the regulation 50 overs. Pakistan could only score 231 runs in reply after losing all its 10 wickets, leaving a deficit of 29 runs despite some spirited batting by Mohammad Hafeez (43) and Misbah-ul-Haq (56).
For India, the hero was once again Sachin Tendulkar, the master blaster whose 85 in 115 balls ensured his side would end up with a decent total. Tendulkar was well assisted by Virender Sehwag (38) and Suresh Raina (36 Not Out). Pakistan's bowling was spearheaded by pacer Wahab Riaz who returned an impressive tally of 5 for 46 runs. Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, in a stadium interview, apologized to his nation for his team's loss while congratulating India. His Indian counterpart M.S. Dhoni said Pakistan played well and praised his teammates for their fielding and bowling.
Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and a number of Pakistani officials flew into Mohali to witness the match at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.The two leaders also used the occasion, termed by some as cricket diplomacy, to hold talks designed to repair the intensely strained relations between the two neighbors in the wake of the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed nearly 170 lives. India says the attacks were masterminded by terror groups in Pakistan.
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