Pakistan 'A' outplayed India 'A' in both bowling and batting to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match one-day series at the Sheikhupura Stadium on Friday. The home team defeated the visitors six wickets.

When left-hander Mohammad Husain lifted all-rounder Rohan Gavaskar over his head, Pakistan 'A' coasted home to a facile win by totalling 228 in 39.3 overs.

After a demoralising 1-0 defeat in the four ``Test'' series, it was a bright beginning for Aqib Javed in the limited overs matches series. To have registered that in his hometown before a noisy home-crowd was heart-warming.

Aqib Javed and Shahid Afridi bowled brilliantly in this match to take three wickets, each, while Abdul Razzaq and Arshad Khan bowled impressively to grab two scalps each.

On a placid pitch to restrict the strong Indian ``A'' batting to a meagre total of 223 was by no means an easy achievement.

However, the only disadvantage the tourists had was to bat in murky conditions with sun playing hide-and-seek with the clouds.

In the morning, Aqib Javed won a vital toss and opted to field first when the sky was overcast and conditions ideal for swing-bowling.

However, the pitch had been shaved off to make it suitable for a limited over game.

The Pakistani bowlers bowled sensibly to dismiss the strong India ``A'' batting to 223 in 47.3 overs.

Had the Pakistani bowlers been supported by fielders, the Indians would have been out for a smaller total.

After Abdul Razzaq clean bowled India ``A'' skipper Gagan Khoda at the total of 11, Aqib's decision to put the visiting team in to bat seemed to have paid off. But two fine partnerships swung the game in India's favour. Opener Haldipur and Paranjape added 55 runs for the second wicket partnership before the former departed when he mistimed Razzak's delivery and was well caught by Saleem Elahi at square-leg.

Pranjape and Sodhi played sensibly to take India ``A'' to 117 before being separated. Both added 51 for the third wicket.

After the partnership ended Pakistani bowlers struck at regular intervals to finally bowl out India ``A'' for 223.

Sodhi top scored for the tourists with a polished knock of 51 that was studded with one six and three boundaries. Haldipur scored 40 off 44 balls and hit five boundaries while Paranjape struck a solid 40 with four fours.

Abdul Razzaq captured the wickets of both the openers conceding 40 runs. Off-spinner Arshad Khan and right-arm leg-spinner Shahid Afridi destroyed the Indian middle-order while Aqib Javed came back for his second spell to wind up the Indian innings with three quick wickets. Aqib's spell was a demonstration of brilliant swing-bowling in his hometown before a vocal, supporting crowd of around 10,000 spectators.

Arshad Khan gave away 42 runs for his two scalps while Shahid Afridi took three for 33. Afridi pushes the ball rather than giving air to his deliveries. Arshad spun the ball appreciably.

Chasing 224 for victory in 50 overs Pakistan ``A'' made a bright beginning when Shahid Afridi and Saleem Elahi added 72 valuable runs in bright sunshine to thrill the Sheikhupura cricket-lovers. They laid the foundation of the innings after which Akhtar Sarfaraz, with the help of Saleem Elahi and Basit Ali, guided his team to a remarkable win.

Akhtar hit the most impressive knock of the day. First he had good measure of the Indian bowling and later exhibited some attractive strokes to top-score with 90. He faced just 75 balls. Akhtar pulled David over mid-wicket for a six and thereafter also hit Bahutale and Raul out of the ground. He also hit 10 exquisite boundaries.

Akhtar Sarfaraz was deservingly declared Man-of-the-Match although Shahid Afridi also staked a strong claim for the honours with his fine all-round performance.

Shahid Afridi played only 22 balls for his swashbuckling knock of 37. Shahid hit three elegant boundaires. But his two sixes both over mid-wicket off Madhukar, were a treat to watch. Shahid chased an outgoing delivery of Sodhi and was caught by wicketkeeper Prasad.

Saleem Elahi was steadier of the two and hit seven boundaries in his 44.

Saleem and Akhtar added 53 runs for the second wicket. Akhtar and Basit Ali (16 off 36 balls) added 52 for the third wicket. Hasan Raza (25 off 43 balls with one six and two fours) and Mohammad Husain took Pakistan ``A'' to a winning total.