For once, the student overshadowed the master. Virender Sehwag, a Sachin Tendulkar prototype, showed today what a positive mindset can achieve. While Tendulkar uncharacteristically struggled against the left-armer Ray Price, Sehwag was in command against the left-arm spinner. Tendulkar scored eight runs off 56 balls against Price, in contrast to Sehwag's 42 off 62 against the same bowler - 21 runs apiece on either side of the wicket.

Sehwag's ascendancy over Price fetched him 36 runs in boundaries – and 16 against Zimbabwe's No 1 bowler, Heath Streak. Tendulkar failed to score a single four off either bowler.

Price completely dried up Tendulkar's scoring to balls pitched on or outside the off stump, conceding no runs to the master batsman. Sehwag, on the other hand, plundered Price at will, getting 25 runs outside the off stump alone.

Sehwag's confidence against Price was also reflected by the fact that he stepped out 17 times in all during his innings – all against the left-arm spinner. Tendulkar failed to leave the sanctity of his crease even once.

The clincher: Tendulkar faced 119 balls while Sehwag faced one less. Tendulkar got 36 runs while Sehwag lorded over with 74.

H. Natarajan is senior editor of Wisden.com India

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