RAWALPINDI, 16 March 2004 — Pakistan coach Javed Miandad asked umpire Simon Taufel to supervise his bowlers in the nets yesterday in an attempt to reduce the number of extras they gave India in the first One-Day International.
Pakistan lost Saturday’s match in Karachi by five runs, conceding 20 no balls and 10 wides during the Indian innings.
“We didn’t bowl well at all,” Miandad said. “All the extras were gifts for the Indians. We ended up bowling 20 overs instead of the first 15 inside the 30-yard circle.”
India amassed 349 for seven in their 50 overs and Pakistan finished on 344 for eight in the highest scoring match in One-Day International history.
“We batted beautifully in Karachi despite the defeat,” Miandad said. “What is important is that these days no score is safe in one-dayers. That’s why I believe our bowlers are the key against this strong Indian batting.”
Pakistan are considering playing six bowlers in the second one-dayer today as paceman Shabbir Ahmed has recovered from the finger injury that ruled him out of the first game of the five-match series.
Meanwhile, Javed Miandad yesterday urged his players not to ease off until they know they have seized the moment in the one-day series against India.“We should have won after coming so close,” Miandad said ahead today’s second international to be played under lights at the Pindi Stadium.
“As a coach, I felt disappointed and have told the players to grab the opportunity next time.
“It was due to inexperience we lost. I want my team not to lose control in such tight situations. Hopefully the difference will be there.”
Miandad was himself regarded as one of the best finishers in the game, once scoring a six off the final delivery at Sharjah in 1986 to beat India in a one-day final.
“One-day matches are like that, you take one good catch or commit a mistake while batting and the game is over for you,” Miandad said.
