Lahore, Apr 10: Pakistan media patted the home team for bringing the friendship series "back on track" by their win in the second Test while being sarcastic about Indian captain Rahul Dravid's decision to bat first. "A victory margin of nine wickets is emphatic enough and to do this inside three and a half days makes it a thumping one. All debts have been paid off, all grievances soothed. It went according to plan, almost," gushed Pakistan's noted cricket columnist Omar Kureishi in daily 'Dawn'.

"The Friendship Series is back on track. Rahul Dravid said at the presentation that India had been outplayed by Pakistan. Poor fellow, he will get the backlash of hindsight as he got the kudos for his foresight for winning the toss and batting first and by the same people," he wrote.

Kureishi added that the credit for the win "goes to the Pakistan team and has nothing to do with the errors that might have been made by its opponents".
The 'Daily Times' also criticised Dravid's decision to bat first on a seaming track. "India self-destructed with their decision to bat first on a lively wicket coupled with some irresponsible batting by the top-order in both the innings." With banner headlines screaming "Honour Restored," "Pakistan outclass listless India", the local dailies hailed the win by Inzamam-ul Haq and his boys. Bureau Report