Hanif one of the best openers of all times: Borde

Former Indian cricketer Chandu Borde on Thursday paid glowing tributes to legendary Pakistan batsman Hanif Mohammad, calling him one of the best openers in the history of the game.

Speaking to IANS on the phone, Borde recalled Hanif's 160 at erstwhile Bombay's Brabourne stadium against India in the second Test of the 1960-61 series.

"An India-Pakistan game is always played under tremendous pressure. And when you are playing an away match, the pressure doubles. But he looked undaunted. the poise that he showed was remarkable. As always, he was technically superb," said the 82-year-old Borde, agewise five months senior to Hanif.

Borde said in all the matches that he played against Hanif, the Pakistani batsman seemed full of confidence. "He always played copybook cricket, very correct."

Bode, who played 55 Test matches for India between 1958 and 1969 scoring 3,061 runs, said in those days it was difficult for India and Pakistan players to mix off the field due to tension between the two neighbours and high security.

"During our time there was high tension between the two countries. There was no time for friendship. Off the filed, security was too rigid.

"But I had good relations with Hanif. Whenever we met, during our playing days, and even after, we exchanged lot of pleasantries."

"I feel said, I feel sorry that he is no more," said Borde.

--IANS

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