India bowlers earn praise

24 September 2007

RP Singh impressed by getting rid of two of the Pakistan top order batsmen © Getty Images

Jubilant India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has hailed his inexperienced attack for their role in helping them claim an unexpected victory in the ICC World Twenty20 final.

Having only played one match in this format prior to this event, India were not expected to challenge but confounded expectations by sealing a five-run triumph over arch-rivals Pakistan in the final at the Wanderers.

Their route to the final was dominated by outstanding batting displays, particularly from Yuvraj Singh, but Dhoni singled out his inexperienced attack for special praise after lifting the trophy.

“On paper our batting line-up was stronger, but the way the bowlers bowled was really good,” enthused Dhoni.

“Our bowling was much better than our batting throughout the tournament apart from a few individual performances like Yuvraj Singh.

“Our bowling was more consistent throughout the tournament and one of the main reasons for us winning it.

“We batted first because we wanted to take pressure off the batsmen. It’s always better to get a decent score and then defend it and when the bowlers are bowling well then it’s quite easy to do it.”

Having set a competitive total of 157 for five with opener Gautam Gambhir hitting a superb 75 off 54 balls, India’s attack dismissed Pakistan for 152 with man-of-the-match Irfan Pathan claiming 3-16 while RP Singh grabbed 3-26, including two wickets in his first two overs.

Irfan Pathan was man of the match for his three wickets in four overs © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Their display helped India clinch their first major triumph since the 1983 World Cup victory and was achieved despite no preparation and without a coach.

“There was a determination among us,” said Dhoni. “We were not expected to do well because we had not done well in the last World Cup and that was a key point.

“We also enjoyed this format of the game because nothing much was expected from us so we didn’t have added pressure or added responsibility on anyone - the guys really enjoyed it and played it match by match.”

Disappointed Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik also singled out India’s attack for praise and particularly left-arm seamer RP Singh, who he believed turned the match in their favour.

“The Indian bowling was good,” said Shoaib. “They restricted our top order and RP Singh was particularly influential in getting our top batsmen out.

“Although I haven’t faced him before, I have seen his performances during the tournament on television and he has improved a lot during this event.”

He added: “When we lost the toss our plan was to keep India down to 150 or 160 so we were successful in our plan but unfortunately we lost too many early wickets.

“But reaching the final is still a great achievement for Pakistan cricket. When we started the tournament we were not regarded as favourites but we still have gone a long way.”