A superbly paced and constructed innings from the comparatively new kid on the block was almost eclipsed under the lights at the Premadasa Stadium by an innings of rare majesty, courtesy one of the modern masters. Mohammad Kaif's first foray into three-figure land had set the game up nicely for India, but they then made the mistake of reprieving Andy Flower... twice. A batsman of that quality needs no further encouragement, and he proceeded to unveil his full repertoire of strokes as the shadows lengthened. Sweetly struck drives through cover and delicate dabs off the pads were played with the same felicity with which he launched into those reverse-sweeps – which he plays with a proficiency that no-one else comes close to matching.

If brother Grant hadn't run himself out like a complete novice and if either Guy Whittall or Dougie Marillier had hung around just a little bit longer, Flower's effort might have fetched the reward it deserved – victory. As it was though, the one-man show ended in heartbreaking circumstances, with a hoick over cover going badly wrong. As he trooped off with 145 runs to his name and the sweat pouring off his brow, everyone with an iota of fairness and class was on their feet. It was an exceptional performance, from one of the finest cricketers we have had the privilege of watching over the past decade.

It was someone who we are likely to see a lot of over the next ten years that hauled India back into contention after an almighty stutter first up. For a team to lose two wickets to outside-edges may be considered unfortunate, but to lose five smacked of criminal negligence. The Indians, most notably Virender Sehwag whose frenetic 48 was a thrill-a-minute, started off as though they were entertaining the crowds at Scarborough or some such place, belting the bowling to all corners – when they weren't dangling their bats outside off stump like fishermen waiting for a nibble.

But the vein of strength that now courses through this Indian side is such that you knew better than to write them off at 87 for 5. The explosive shotmakers – Ganguly, Tendulkar, Sehwag and Yuvraj – may have departed but India could still call upon two men who fitted the occasion as well as a Savile Row suit. Rahul Dravid's innings-building qualities and consistency were in ample evidence on the England tour, and he took guard and just carried on from that. Kaif, though, was a revelation, and each innings he plays showcases another facet of what is proving to be a truly special talent.

He is the Indian answer to Australia's Bionic Man, Michael Bevan, and this knock today was one that the peerless Aussie would have been proud to claim as his own. Kaif nudged and deflected the ball around in the early stages, scampering the singles and pushing for the occasional two. A few minutes after Dravid's dismissal, and with ten overs still to be bowled, he had reached 55 from 80 balls - respectable, but hardly express-train variety.

But from the 32 deliveries he faced after that, he pounded Zimbabwe to the tune of 56 runs, combining some orthodox strokes through cover and over midwicket with some audacious deflections down to fine leg. Anil Kumble played his part too by rotating the strike, as 56 runs came from the final five overs.

The Zimbabweans wilted in the heat – especially Andy Flower, whose keeping went to seed in a big way – but Kaif just kept on running, like the bunny in the Duracell commercial. It was a remarkable knock given the trying conditions and the sage-like figure with the manic expression (wearing pads and brandishing a bat like the Grim Reaper would his scythe) wasn't the only one on his feet by the end.

Zaheer Khan bowled a magnificent spell to finish with four wickets (having experienced the mortification of seeing Flower put down off his bowling), as India's emerging talents stole the show from the established campaigners. This match though will always be associated with a Flower – and an epic effort that came oh so close to smelling of roses.

Dileep Premachandran is assistant editor of Wisden.com in India. His reports will appear here throughout the Champions Trophy.

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