In an anticlimactic finish to a hugely hyped series between rival neighbours, India's desperate attempt to tie the series at the newly laid Ferozeshah Kotla ended in a whimper as Pakistan sealed a comprehensive 4-2 victory in the six match one day international series.

Pakistan had already displayed their resilience in the three-Test series which rather appropriately ended one-all. India were once again the favourites as they took on their fierce competitors in the first one-day international at Kochi. While Kochi showcased Sachin Tendulkar's prowess with the ball yet again, Vishakapatnam saw India take command with a two-nil lead in the series. Pakistan seemed to be flagging after the Test at Bangalore, but Inzamam-ul Haq and coach Bob Woolmer had other ideas.

The battle moved to Jamshedpur where Pakistan's commendable resurgence began. The visitors not only shocked the Indians into subjugation but also sent strong signals about a team whose youth belied their mental strength. While India chose to diplomatically brush aside the loss, Inzamam set his eyes on a bigger goal - returning home as series-winners. As far-fetched an ambition as it may have seemed at that stage for a team that had to win all its subsequent matches to win the series, Pakistan certainly had the talent and desire to do so.

The teams made for a wonderful study of contrasts over the next three games. Ahmedabad, venue of the fourth game, had been seeped in controversy because of the securtiy concerns of the visitors. But the only problem, as it turned out, was India's inability to stop Pakistan from making a frightful collective effort initiated by the two openers, especially the aggressive Shahid Afridi. The self-belief was to be seen in the way Pakistan chased down the 300-plus total. On the other hand, when India needed over 300 to win the final game and level the series, they did not even put up a fight.
 

Despite the best efforts of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rahul Dravid, India struggled to put up an individual effort of note towards the fag end of the series. The hosts seemed bereft of ideas and time to compensate for their slow overrates as Sourav Ganguly was banned from six one-day internationals for the transgression. With time for appeal, the board sent a subtle message that Dravid was indeed being considered to take over in the wake of the current skipper's conspicuous lack of form. John Wright's stint as coach came to a dismal end and unfortunately, the Indian team could not see off their coach on a high note.
 

Pakistan though had fewer worries as the batsmen batted in tandem and with the opening blasts, they were always in a position to dictate despite any further loss of wickets simply because of the sheer momentum generated at the top of the order.