India's comprehensive seven-wicket victory was a result of meticulous planning by the bowlers who had figured out what line to bowl to the formidable Pakistani batsmen.
Skipper Rahul Dravid said his team had held discussions during the last few days about the line and length to be bowled to each Pakistan batsman, and today the strategy paid rich dividends.
"We had discussed it. It is difficult in these conditions (to implement the plans). It's part of our learning process," he said after India coasted to a seven-wicket victory to level the series 1-1.
"It was a team effort. Our bowlers bowled well to restrict the strong Pakistan line to 265 on a good batting track. All of them turned in tight spells. And whoever had the chance to bat did well. Our fielding was also very good. It was a good all round show," the Indian captain said.
India rode on century stands for the first and third wickets to chase down Pakistan's 265 with 6.4 overs and seven wickets to spare.
"We played good cricket and that's the reason we won. 1-1 is better than 0-2 down. But just because we won today we can't say we will roll over Pakistan who are a good team. It's going to be a good series and we are all looking forward to the remaining three ties," the Bangalore stalwart said.
Dravid praised the opening wicket stand of 105 between Virender Sehwag (67) and Sachin Tendulkar (42).
"When Viru plays like that he gets us off to a great start. Their opening wicket stand made a big difference. It's good to see Viru back among the runs after getting out in the 30s and 40s earlier on. He was unfortunate to be run out when he looked set for a bigger score," Dravid said.
The Indian skipper also said the early inroads his team made in the Pakistan innings, reducing them to 68 for four, put the home team's middle order under pressure.
"It's difficult for a team to recover after losing early wickets as the middle order has to first consolidate and then go for runs. We kept getting wickets and that too made a big difference as they bat deep," Dravid said.
"We were happy to restrict Pakistan to 265 on a good track. We had only four frontline bowlers and depended on Viru and Sachin to complete the quota. All the four pacers bowled well and put it in the right areas," he said.
Dravid also praised the fielding of Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Mohd Kaif inside the 30-yard circle and said they added a new dimension to the team.
"The four run-outs were crucial. These players make a big difference to the team by their fielding. We have been fielding well over the last three months and we fielded well in the first ODI at Peshawar too. It also makes our bowling look much better.
"Coach Greg Chappell, (biomechanic expert) Ian Frazer and Greg King (trainer) have been making a strong effort in making us a fine fielding side," he said.
Dravid did not feel that there was a deliberate attempt by Shoaib Malik to obstruct Zaheer Khan.
"I don't think the batsman (Shoaib Malik who made 95) deliberately tried to prevent Zaheer (Khan) from getting to the ball when taking a run. That's why we did not appeal," Dravid said.
The Indians' appeal against Inzamam in the first ODI had led to a heated debate with the rival captain writing in his column that it was an unsportsmanlike act and not in keeping with the spirit of the game.
Today Zaheer and Malik collided when the batsman was trying to steal a single on 47 and the bowler was reaching for the ball. The batsman escaped by regaining the crease in time.
Dravid also did not want to make an issue of the missile thrown at Ajit Agarkar when India fielded.
"We are happy and satisfied with the security arrangements. It's just a minority that has no respect for the players who indulge in such acts. The majority wants to enjoy the game. We don't want to make an issue of it."
Dravid said he would have fielded anyway had he won the toss and that is why he had opted for Ramesh Powar as the super sub.
Dravid also felt Sehwag was alright after the batsman had pulled up with a pain on his shoulder after slashing Naved-ul Hasan Rana for a six over third man. He needed some on-field medical attention before resuming his innings.
"Oh, he felt a shoulder spasm, but then batted on well. I have not spoken to him yet, but hopefully he should be okay," said Dravid.
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