Despite being tired, and certainly wishing for a pair of younger legs, Anwar stuck to his task admirably. Realising that the side was short on inspiration, the elegant left-hander pieced together his third World Cup century, in the process drawing level with Sourav Ganguly on 20 ODI tons. What will give Pakistan supporters more comfort is the fact that Anwar has now scored 2000 runs against the old enemy – India.

When he was finally dismissed, it was a result of a lapse in concentration. Soon after reaching the three-figure mark Anwar (101, 126 balls, 7 fours) was cleaned up by a yorker from Ashish Nehra.

The dismissal brought Younis Khan to the wicket to join Youhana, who was stroking as well as he has in recent times. Hardly taking any risks, Youhana milked the bowling for ones and twos, putting pressure on the fielders time and time again.

When he did take a risk, though, he paid for it. Flicking Srinath uppishly, Youhana perfectly picked out Zaheer Khan on the leg-side fence.

Shahid Afridi, celebrating his 23rd birthday, helped himself to his customary two boundaries before playing a reckless heave to be caught in the deep.

Younis Khan, playing an invaluable hand, scored a 36-ball 32. Innovating well, Rashid Latif cracked a quickfire 29 and Pakistan got the finish they wanted with Wasim Akram clubbing the last two balls of the innings for boundaries, as Pakistan ended on 273/7.

A formidable target, and one that India will have to play out of their skins to chase down against this quality bowling attack. If you’re an Indian fan, you won't be happy to hear that the highest score India have successfully chased down in a World Cup is 222, against New Zealand at Nagpur in 1987.

After playing four handsome strokes that sped to the fence, the inexperienced Taufeeq Umar was cleaned up by Zaheer Khan. Brought back into the attack after a lacklustre first spell of three overs, the left-arm seamer was right on target as an express delivery beat the bat and rattled the timber. Umar’s 22 had helped keep the scoreboard ticking over at a steady rate.

What’s more, Umar’s strokeplay upset Ashish Nehra’s rhythm. The mediumpacer showed none of the rhythm that fetched him 6/23 against England just days ago and was put under pressure by the Pakistan batsmen.

Anwar, finding his feet after a spell in and out of international cricket, showed that he still had it in him to make runs at the highest level. Playing equally well off the back and front foot Anwar unveiled one particularly powerful pull shot that sent the ball racing to the fence.

While Anwar was building the innings up, Abdul Razzaq seemed to slow things down, walking out at number three. Not looking for the ones and twos, Razzaq went for some extravagant shots, failing more often than he succeeded. When he tried to run Nehra down to third man, Razzaq only managed a thick edge. Diving to his right, Dravid took a smart catch, sending Razzaq (12) on his way.

Inzamam ul-Haq coming in at number four announced his intentions right at the outset. Coming down the track, Inzamam hit Anil Kumble straight back over his head off the very first ball he faced. Soon after, though, tragedy struck as a lack of communication caused a run out. Tapping the ball to Virender Sehwag at square leg, Anwar watched in dismay as Inzamam shot off for a suicidal, non-existent run without looking at his partner. The throw was good and Inzamam (6) was well short of his crease.

Yousuf Youhana joined Anwar out in the middle and the pair took Pakistan to 114/3 in 25 overs.

These two teams have not played each other since early 2000 at the Asia Cup in Dhaka because of political tensions. Eagerly awaited by fans around the globe as one of the battles royale, India-Pakistan games are usually high voltage.

In a move designed to build a better relationship between the two countries, the two teams exchanged official ties at the toss.

When the game starts though, no quarter will be given, and none asked for.

India made one change, bringing experienced spinner Anil Kumble into the side in place of Harbhajan Singh.

Pakistan bolstered their batting line-up, drafting Shahid Afridi and Younis Khan into the side.

The wicket looks a touch dry, but is likely to play well for the full 100 overs.

Teams:

Pakistan: Saeed Anwar, Taufeeq Umar, Abdur Razzaq, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhana, Younis Khan, +Rashid Latif, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, *Waqar Younis, Shahid Afridi.

India: V Sehwag, SR Tendulkar, *SC Ganguly, D Mongia, +R Dravid, Yuvraj Singh, M Kaif, A Kumble, Z Khan, J Srinath, A Nehra.