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Dravid lauds bowlers on victory

Source:PTI
February 11, 2006 18:55 IST

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India captain Rahul Dravid credited his much-maligned bowlers for the seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second one-day international in Rawalpindi on Saturday, saying they delivered on a flat batting wicket.

"The bowlers set up this win for us. They bowled beautifully on a flat pitch and kept the score under control," he said after the match.

"Once we restricted Pakistan to 265 we were pretty confident of reaching the target.

"It is never easy bowling to Pakistani batsmen. It was a thoroughly professional performance from start to finish and the boys played great cricket. It was a total team effort."

The four run-outs, Dravid added, were the result of some sprightly fielding.

He also credited the youngsters, particularly Yuvraj Singh and man of the match Irfan Pathan, in the team for handling pressure with confidence, saying they are being "developed" for next year's World Cup.

Inzamam-ul Haq said Pakistan fell 20-30 runs short and his bowlers also did not put the ball in the right areas.

But he denied that the defeat adversely affected team morale.

"Every one-day international is a new game and, hopefully, we will play better in Lahore," Pakistan's captain said.

Pathan said the last three-four weeks were tough on the bowlers but the ball came out well from his hand on Saturday.

"Conditions were overcast this morning and all our bowlers swung the ball," he said.

Crediting the coaching staff for the improvement in his batting, the Baroda player said fitness is not a problem for him and he is putting in extra effort for the benefit of the team.

Source: PTI
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