By IANS
New Delhi : Pakistan’s leading leg-spinner Danish Kaneria Friday said that the first Test match against India was evenly poised after two days of play.
“I think the match is evenly balanced for both the teams because India will have to bat on the last day. And if we give a good total to India then it would be tough. I think a target of 290-300 will be tough for India to chase,” said the 26-year-old Kaneria, in the post match press conference.
After being bowled our for 231 runs earlier in the day, Pakistan came back strongly into the game with the efforts of their fast bowlers as India are now struggling at 228 for six and were trailing by three runs when the stumps were drawn.
“This is a Test match. One day you will be on the top, the next day it will be the other way. After two days of play I think the pitch will keep low and also slow down,” said Kaneria.
The leg spinner added that despite the pitch slowing down it will not pose any threat for the Indian batsmen, who will bat on the last day of the Test match.
“I don’t think the pitch will pose any problem for the Indian batsman. They are good players of spin bowling. The main thing is that we have to bowl really well,” he said.
Pakistan bowlers were superb on the second day of the Test match with Shoaib Akhtar leading the attack. Shoaib picked up two wickets to provide the initial breakthrough.
Debutant 22-year-old Sohail Tanveer stole the limelight as he picked up the important wickets of Sourav Ganguly (8) and Rahul Dravid (38).
“All the fast bowlers were simply superb. Sohail’s performance was also good as he picked two very important wickets in the Indian batting line-up. This will give him confidence in his future,” said Kaneria.
The Pakistan bowlers reduced India to 93 for five at one stage. But V.V.S. Laxman (57 not out) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (57) added 115 runs for the sixth wicket to save the hosts from the blushes.
“The partnership between Laxman and Dhoni was becoming dangerous. Dhoni was in an aggressive mood and we needed a breakthrough. It is a good feeling that I provided it,” said the leg spinner, who took Dhoni’s wicket.
Asked, whether he is under pressure being the main spinner, Kaneria replied: “There is no pressure on me. I am enjoying my bowling.”