Pakistan seek ‘extra’ solution

Pakistan coach Javed Mianded asked umpire Simon Taufel to supervise his bowlers in the nets on Monday 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,” Mianded 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 349-7 in their 50 overs and Pakistan finished on 344-8 in the highest scoring match in one-day international history.

“We batted beautifully in Karachi despite the defeat,” Mianded 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 on Tuesday as paceman Shabbir Ahmed has recovered from the finger injury that ruled him out of the first game of the five-match series.

(Reuters)