Wills Challenge Series, 1997-98

The Indians had not toured Pakistan since 1989-90 because of political tensions, though they had continued to meet regularly for one-day internationals, usually on neutral territory, such as Sharjah. In fact they had played each other only a week earlier, in Toronto, where India won the Sahara Cup 4-1. They finally returned to Pakistan for a short one-day series which opened their neighbours' Golden Jubilee celebrations. Pakistan took revenge for their Canadian setback, with Saeed Anwar leading them to a 2-1 victory (Ramiz Raja, the previous week's captain, had already been dropped). The crowds were mostly welcoming, though there was trouble during the second match, in Karachi, when the Indian fielders were stoned by some spectators, causing an abrupt end to Pakistan's innings. That resulted in Pakistan's only defeat, but a stunning century from Ijaz Ahmed at Lahore brought the series to a triumphant conclusion.

Match reports for

1st ODI: Pakistan v India at Hyderabad (Sind), Sep 28, 1997
Report | Scorecard

2nd ODI: Pakistan v India at Karachi, Sep 30, 1997
Report | Scorecard

3rd ODI: Pakistan v India at Lahore, Oct 2, 1997
Report | Scorecard