India dismissed cheaply by Pakistan in charity match

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ABU DHABI (Reuters) - India were dismissed for 197 on Tuesday in the first of two one-day matches against Pakistan after their batsmen failed to adapt to the conditions during a charity match at the Zayed Stadium.

Just three days after completing a 5-1 series rout of England at home, the Indians were handed a reality check after they struggled to come to grips with the pitch or the Pakistan attack.

Pakistan produced a disciplined bowling performance, with Shoaib Malik responsible for most of the damage. The all-rounder took three for 40.

Although Venugopal Rao top scored with an unbeaten 61 and Suresh Raina added 40, the rest of the team failed to get going and India suffered four run outs in the innings.

Captain Rahul Dravid was the first to get run out for 20 while attempting to complete a second run and Irfan Pathan, who came in at number three, also suffered the same fate for 26 after being beaten by a direct throw from Naved-ul Hasan.

With India regularly losing wickets, Rao and Raina shared a stand of 64 for the fifth wicket to prevent their side from sliding to an even lower total.

The partnership was broken when Raina was caught by Iftikhar Anjum off Shahid Afridi. He hit three fours in his 67-ball knock. Rao also hit three fours.

The match, the first to be played in the United Arab Emirates in six years, also marked the opening of international cricket's newest venue - the $2.5 million Zayed stadium which can accommodate 16,000 spectators.

The series is expected to raise $10 million for earthquake relief. The series also marks the beginning of a new plan by the two teams to play regularly in neutral venues.

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