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Ganguly blames bowling and fielding
Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly on Sunday called for a better showing from his players in their last Super League match against Sri Lanka.
Blaming the shoddy bowling and fielding performance for the 59-run defeat against Pakistan, Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly on Sunday called for a much better showing from his players in their last Super League match of the Asia Cup cricket tournament.
"We are not upto the mark in these two departments in the tournament so far. If we continue to play like this, we don't deserve a place in the final," Ganguly said after the defeat against Pakistan at the Premadasa Stadium.
India need to win their last match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday to qualify for the August one final.
Today's match saw a pathetic bowling and fielding performance by India which helped Pakistan post a huge 300 for nine in 50 overs in the day and night encounter. In reply, India could manage 241 for eight.
"It was possible to chase the target. We have achieved similar targets in the past. The wicket was good and the outfield fast.
"It was just that we lost too many wickets," he said.
Ganguly said the injury to batsman V V S Laxman, who did not play today, continues to be a worrying factor for the side.
"We all are worried about Laxman. He has got a sore knee. But rest all are fit."
The Indian captain showered praise on man of the match Shoaib Malik, who scored a career-best 143 and took two wickets to play a stellar role in the Pakistan victory.
"He played an outstanding innings. It was he who took their score to 300."
"Malik scored a superb century and others also chipped in with valuable scores. Bowlers also bowled to line and length. Fielding was good since we had worked hard on this area in recent times."
The skipper, however, appeared a bit disappointed since his side conceded the vital bonus point to India despite the huge win.
"We tried to contain them to 240. The four in the last over (by Anil Kumble) made all the difference," he said.
Malik said he came to bat at number three position with a "positive approach" and was happy that he could contribute in Pakistan's win.
"I was confident and came to bat with a positive approach. I always play with new ball in the nets, so coming to bat in the second over of the match was not a problem for me," he said.
