Pakistan won the first ever one day match played at Eden Gardens. The first match was played on this ground in 1987 between India and Pakistan and Pakistan won the match. Pakistan has a record of 5-1 here. India lost all the three one day matches played against Pakistan in this stadium. Both the teams are playing a match here after eight years.
Pakistan is leading the series with 1-0 and this is a do or die situation for India because losing the match is losing the series.
India has to win the second ODI at to keep the hopes of winning the series alive. Pakistan and India met on this ground in 2004 in the Platinum Jubilee match which was won by Pakistan.
Pakistan pacers Umar Gul, Irfan and Junaid practiced in the nets at Eden Garden on 1st January, 2012 along with the batsmen. Indian cricket team also reached Kolkata in batches.
Pakistan won the first ODI in the on-going three ODI series that was played at Chennai. Tickets for second ODI at Eden Gardens were sold online and all the tickets were sold within 12 hours. India lost test match against England on the same ground.
Curator of Eden Gardens informed that one day wicket is being prepared to suit the stroke play. There will be bounce for the pacers and as the play continues, spinners will bowl effectively he said.
Winning the match at Eden Gardens means another series loss for India. The Indian team and captain Dhoni are under fire from critics already and there are also demands from various people to change the captain.
