Inzamam feels Pakistan can win series | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
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Inzamam feels Pakistan can win series

PTI | ByN.Ananthanarayanan (Reuters), Mohali
Mar 13, 2005 04:21 PM IST

Inzamam-ul Haq said his team's rearguard action to save the first Test against India could spur them on to win the three-match series.

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq said his team's rearguard action to save the first Test against India on Saturday could spur them on to win the three-match series.

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HT Image

"I'm relieved. The boys showed tremendous character," he said after Pakistan, who had been outplayed on all four previous days, fought back from the verge of defeat to post 496 for nine declared and ensure a draw the match on the fifth and final day.

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Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who scored his first Test century before being dismissed for 109, and all rounder Abdul Razzaq (71) proved the saviours for the visitors in their record 184-run seventh wicket partnership.

"I really appreciate Razzaq and Akmal," said Inzamam. "They really were mentally strong.

"It was not easy for Kamran. There was a lot of pressure and he showed tremendous character.

"If the boys play like this we have a good chance to win this series."

Inzamam said he did not nurse much hopes of saving the Test going into the final day after Pakistan conceded a 204-run first innings lead and were 257 for six overnight.

"The position from where we came to draw this match, the morale of our players will be really high."

Indian captain Sourav Ganguly defended his tactics of playing three seamers and Anil Kumble as the only spinner.

"We came out today having to take just four wickets," he said. "We thought we could bowl one good ball and the rest would fall at the bottom.

"Once we decided to bowl first, we had to go in with three fast bowlers."

Ganguly said India had not taken victory for granted as the Mohali pitch traditionally played true throughout.

"We have to give credit to Akmal and Razzaq.

"Akmal is playing in just his 11th Test. The knock he played today is going to make a lot of seasoned campaigners proud."

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