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Rediff.com  » Sports » We will continue to play positively in India: Malik

We will continue to play positively in India: Malik

Source: PTI
October 30, 2007 11:58 IST
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Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik says losing the Test and one-day series to South Africa was disappointing but his team will not let the debacle occupy their minds when they take on arch-rivals India next week.

"I do not think we will go to India with any negative thoughts in our mind. Our players are capable of handling pressure," Malik said.

"The Indian tour is going to be a challenging one as they are also rebuilding their team. But we have learnt a lot from the series against South Africa and we do not go there with any negative thoughts in our mind," he added.

Pakistan lost the final and deciding ODI by 14 runs while chasing a target of 234 runs after being 199 for four at one stage on Monday.

Malik admitted that his team failed to deliver the knockout punch despite dominating the game.

"Our finishing has to improve that is for sure. We controlled 90 percent of the game against South Africa but in the 10 percent that really mattered we were not good enough," he said.

The skipper, however, refused to blame anyone for the defeat and backed his players.

"I know we tried hard but you have to give their bowlers also some credit. I will not tell any player to stop playing his natural game but yes we just need to be responsible at times. We will continue to play positively in India as well."

The return of fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar to the team also brings smile on the face of the skipper as he described him as an asset for the team.

"He is a big asset for the team when he is fully fit and today he showed he is hungry for success by bowling very well despite making a comeback after such a long time. It is great to have Shoaib back for the Indian tour," Malik said.

Shoaib took 4 for 43 after coming back to the team after serving a 13 matches ban imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

He also backed wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal whose skills behind the wickets have been criticised severely in recent times.

"Look anyone can drop catches even Jonty Rhodes dropped catches. But we know Akmal is a bit down and we need to sit down and talk to him and boost his confidence. We know he can be a key player for us in India."

Akmal dropped a straight forward chance of Jacques Kallis, who went on to make a match winning 86 for his team.

Pakistan skipper also revealed that the team management has decided to bring back experienced campaigners for the opening slots after repeated failures by the young batsmen in the series against South Africa.

"India is a pressure tour and crucial series for us, so we have to stick with those who have some experience. But after the Indian tour we will look at other options as well," he said.

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