Thursday, October 18, 2007

DHONI FINDS SOLACE IN DEAD RUBBER WIN


Australia may have already won the series but India's heroics in the dead rubber win impressed captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The two-wicket victory in the seventh ODI was not enough for India as Australia ran out 4-2 winners in the seven-match contest but MS Dhoni was glad India bowed out on a high.

"This victory was important for us as we wanted to finish the series on a positive note," said Dhoni.

The win was also important for Team India who take on arch-rivals Pakistan next month. There will be five ODIs and three Tests between the two arch-rivals.

Dhoni singled out man-of-the-match Murali Kartik, who first took a career best six-wicket haul and then scored crucial unbeaten 21 runs to see the side through.

"Kartik bowled extremely well today. He had a finger injury in his right hand but he was eager to play," Dhoni said.

"In fact he played a big role in India's both wins in the series," Dhoni added.

Ricky Ponting, the Australia captain also praised Kartik's efforts.

"Kartik bowled well today. He bowled well even in his first game. The wicket here was different because the top was a bit soft. Still you have to execute the skills and he did extremely well and deserved every wicket he got.

Ponting also said he was shocked by India's decision to 'rest' Rahul Dravid for the match.

"He's a class player and I was surprised he did not play."

India play Australia in the Twenty20 international on Saturday, 20 October. Who will World T20 champions India field for that game?

No comments:

 
ss_blog_claim=a20aaf78ab953dd079a148ff83c4aa55