KOLKATA, March 20: Indian captain Saurav Ganguly was celebrating a memorable Test victory at the Eden Gardens on Sunday - the icing on the cake being that it was achieved in front of his hometown fans. “It is one of the better wins especially because Pakistan had always been doing well at the Eden,” he said after India defeated Pakistan by 195 runs on the fifth and final day of the second Test. “After a demoralizing draw in Mohali, the victory today seems all the more sweet.”
Pakistan who needed to score a world record 422 runs to win the Test were bowled out for 226 that gave India their first Test win over the tourists at the Eden in six attempts.
“Although (Shahid) Afridi’s wicket on the fourth day was crucial, the first wicket today really helped our cause.”
The touring team, who began their chase at the overnight score of 95-1, in a sensational start lost their vice captain Younis Khan off the first ball of the day bowled by Anil Kumble, who took 7-63 to wreak havoc.
“Kumble is a match-winner and I don’t think he needs my comments,” said Ganguly.
He praised the Man-of-the-Match Rahul Dravid who scored delightful centuries in both innings and along with wicket-keeper Dinesh Kaarthick, the two set a difficult target for Pakistan.
