Bitter CT start for India as Pakistan win by 54 runs

Twin half centuries from Gautam Gambhir (57) and Rahul Dravid (76) turned out to be heroics for a lost cause as India wilted under pressure to suffer a 54-run defeat to arch rivals Pakistan in their nerve-wrecking opening Champions Trophy match on Saturday.

Asked to chase a big target of 303, mainly due to the listless performance by their slow bowlers, India were all out for 248 in 44.5 overs to start their Champions Trophy campaign on a losing note, in front of a packed house at SuperSport Park here.

Image: Sanjay Manjrekar (L) Mahendra Singh Dhoni of India, Younis Khan of Pakistan and match referee Roshan Mahanama at the coin toss beforeThe ICC Champions Trophy Group A Match between India and Pakistan on September 26, 2009 at The Supersport Stadium in Centurion, South Africa.

Full Coverage: Champions Trophy 2009