†ENGLAND v PAKISTAN 1989-90

At Cuttack, October 22. England won by four wickets. Toss: Pakistan. An unsuitable pitch made for an absorbing match. Whether the ball jumped and deviated, or ran along the ground, was a matter of chance, and only Salim Malik of the Pakistan batsmen displayed the necessary skills once Capel had removed their openers. Wasim Akram returned the compliment when England batted, but whereas Gooch had left Capel on to capitalise on a tight opening spell. Imran relieved the pressure by taking Akram off and bringing on Qadir. Lamb took 14 from the leg-spinner's first over, and in partnership with Smith and then Stewart, he gave the innings its impetus. Stewart and Capel took England to within 10 runs of what was never an easy target, and one which would have been more difficult but for the profligate display by Pakistan in the field. It was England's third consecutive win of the tournament and a significant triumph for their captain, Gooch, who completed his ten overs with a two-wicket maiden to return his best figures in a one-day international.

Man of the Match: G. A. Gooch.