Cricket: Is India's Destruction of Pakistan a Sign Of Things to Come?

India's one-day side put on a masterclass with bat and ball to send Pakistan packing and stamp their authority on the subcontinent's Tri-Series tournament. Will this dominance continue throughout the summer and into next year?

Pakistan's previous record-breaking run of 12 consecutive victories ended unceremoniously as they succumbed to a worst-ever defeat to bitter rivals India. Pakistan went down by 140 runs in the one-day encounter.

India were stronger in every department and Pakistan only managed to complete 35 overs, a crime in the shorter format of the game.

The only way this result could have been more embarrassing for Pakistan would have been if all of their mothers gave a press conference with baby pictures as punishment.

Throwing wickets away like it was going out of fashion, Pakistan's opener Salman Butt lasted only nine balls before being caught superbly by youngster Rohit Sharma at point.

His captor, Praveen Kumar, also accounted for the other three members of Pakistan's top order as their side crumbled to a miserable 190, with only Kamran Akmal and a commendable 50 from Shoaib Malik, providing resistance to India's command over the match.

However, their stranglehold was also thanks to a superb batting display set up by Delhi Daredevils openers Gambhir and Sehwag, the latter smashing 13 fours and a six in an typically rapid-fire innings of 89 off 76 balls.

Ably supported by Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina, India set an imposing target of 330 to win, putting pressure on Pakistan's batsmen and forcing the errors.

But what does this win mean in the wider context of international cricket? Are India as good as Pakistan made them look?

In short, the answer is yes and no. India's strength in depth is tremendous, with a massive stock of bowlers to call upon should anyone fall short of form. They have young spinners in Piyush Chawla and Ahmet Mishra vying for a place, with no-one sure of a regular spot in the side. This competition for selection stifles complacency and encourages regular, quality displays.

However, Pakistan did produce an uncharacteristically bad performance. As captain Malik said, "it was a bad day." Not half, Shoaib. The bowlers did not hit the right areas and produced more wides than a cake sale. They failed to exert regular pressure on India and paid the penalty.

Nevertheless, you can expect them not to be so forgiving next time. They will meet in the final on Saturday, unless Bangladesh can collectively step into a phone box and emerge as SuperCricketMen to beat a resurgent India side on Thursday.

It was a day when India were superb and Pakistan were woeful. There is a chance of a gulf developing between the rivals, but it is not as big as the most recent match suggests. After all, Pakistan's record prior to this match shows they have the ability to turn this around.

Saturday's final should be thrilling, unless Shoaib's men have another "bad day." Let's hope not, for the sake of the game.