His 126-ball 128 set the stage for Pakistan's comprehensive win over India in a Champions Trophy Group match here, but Shoaib Malik feels the scenario could have been different had Mahendra Singh Dhoni introduced Harbhajan Singh early in the attack.
Man-of-the-match Malik, who shared a match-winning record 206-run fourth wicket stand with Mohammad Yousuf (87), said Dhoni missed a trick by bringing on the off-spinner late in the attack, especially after Pakistan were tottering at 65 for three at one stage.
"I think he (Dhoni) should have brought on Harbhajan early. We were three down and another wicket would have hurt us," said Malik about Dhoni's ploy of introducing the off-spinner in the 25th over.
Meanwhile, after registering the 54-run victory over arch-rivals India in a Group A match of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan skipper Younus Khan said he next aim is to keep a clean record in the tournament.
"We have never reached the finals of Champions Trophy but this time I want to keep a clean slate all through," he said.
Although Younus lauded India for it's brave run chase, he said he never felt his side was in danger of losing the match.
{{/usCountry}}Although Younus lauded India for it's brave run chase, he said he never felt his side was in danger of losing the match.
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