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Pakistan defeat self inflicted: Woolmer
July 22, 2004 09:37 IST
Pakistan's seven-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in an Asia Cup second pahse match was self inflicted, their coach Bob Woolmer said on Wednesday.
Pakistan were bundled out for 122 after winning the toss, their lowest ever score against Sri Lanka.
Abdul Razzaq made a respectable 43 as only three Pakistan batsmen reached double figures.
"That was a perfect batting pitch and every dismissal, bar Mohammad Sami who received a good delivery from Sanath Jayasuriya, was self-inflicted," Woolmer told reporters.
"Inzi (Inzamam-ul-Haq) kicked the ball on to his stumps, Youhana tried to take a single to silly point and three others selected poor strokes," Woolmer added.
"We have had a bad day but the important question is, why? That is what we have to now work out before the game against India.
"We need to understand what was going in their minds because the batsmen were all in form and the practice and preparation was good."
"We are not going to panic though, and we will not be looking to make changes. We have to give people an opportunity."
Sri Lanka skipper Marvan Atapattu praised the performance of his side and in particular man of the match Nuwan Zoysa who took three wickets for 29 runs.
"In the past he had enough critics but he is facing them now and has come good for Sri Lanka. As captain, I have to say he is marvellous now," Atapattu said of the left-arm seamer.
"We stuck to the basics and were disciplined enough to do well in all three departments of the game.
"We are playing as a team and that is what we have been emphasising. It is working well at the moment and everyone's focus is right."