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Dravid lauds his bowlers
Source: PTI
October 28, 2005 22:21 IST

Skipper Rahul Dravid lauded his bowlers for capturing early wickets and putting Sri Lanka on the ropes in the second one-day international, which India won by eight wickets, at PCA stadium in Mohali, on Friday.

"The opening bowlers got early wickets and the others also chipped in to keep the pressure on the batsmen. Overall, it was an exceptional performance," Dravid said.

Complimenting the "good, young side" at his disposal, he said the team had worked hard on all aspects of the game, including fielding.

After bundling out the visitors for a paltry 122, in 35.4 overs, India knocked off the required runs with nearly 30 overs to spare.

Irfan Pathan was again the wrecker-in-chief, claiming for wickets for 37 runs

Commenting on the wicket, Dravid said the ball was stopping, but "it was definitely not a 120 wicket".

"We are not getting carried away as the Sri Lankans can always come back strongly," he added.

A visibly disappointed Marvan Atapattu said the batting let his side down, as there was no devil in the wicket.

"We have to pull up our socks and believe in our abilities to come back strongly as a group," he said.

Praising the Indian performance, Atapattu said at the moment the team is excelling in all departments of the game.

Man of the match Irfan Pathan said he is "reaping the rewards of working hard at the nets".

"The wicket," he said, "was on the slower side but the ball was swinging, which helped."

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