RAWALPINDI, March 14: Haroon Rasheed, the Pakistan team manager, said on Sunday that instead of pointing out flaws his boys deserved appreciation for their gallant run chase in Saturday's first One-day International against India at Karachi's National Stadium.

"I admit that our bowlers gave too many extras but the way our team chased India's massive total of 349 is a big plus point," he told newsmen as Pakistan began preparing for Tuesday's second match in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan almost overhauled India's record total falling just five runs short in the end. Critics said that the 38 extras that the home bowlers gave away proved costly. But Haroon stressed that the exciting cricket that was played should be appreciated.

He pointed out that every team conceded extra runs but Pakistan had the tendency to give away a bit more. "Things have now been reviewed and I am confident that the players will show more composure and all-round abilities in the next match.

"No player wants to bowl no-balls and wides, probably there was too much pressure on our bowlers," he said Coach Javed Miandad felt that his side were unlucky. "Our batsmen, especially Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousuf Youhana did a great job and the way they chased the big total is creditable."