February 19, 2006	Sunday	Muharram 20, 1427

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KARACHI, Feb 18: Inzamamul Haq conceded on Saturday that India outplayed Pakistan and deserved to win the One-day International series. “I must admit that we were outplayed by a better team,” the Pakistan skipper told a media briefing ahead of Sunday’s final match here at the National Stadium. “But we are keen for victory in this last match because a win is a morale-booster.”

Inzamam stressed that fielding had been the difference between the teams.

“In our part of the world when generally the one-day matches are high-scoring, fielding becomes the vital factor. This was definitely the main difference because our fielding was inferior,” he pointed out.

Inzamam also announced that Pakistan team would contribute Rs10,000 each month for the family of the former hockey goal-keeper Mohammad Qasim, who is battling for life after being diagnosed with cancer.

Indian captain Rahul Dravid, meanwhile, said that he was delighted to see his team doing well against world’s top one-day teams.

“Sri Lanka were higher than us in the rankings, so were South Africa and now Pakistan who were second behind world champions Australia not so long ago. So we have played well against teams higher than us,” said Dravid.

Under Dravid’s leadership, India defeated Sri Lanka and drew with South Africa in one-dayers last year. He praised the contributions of his young players in the current series. “The lads obviously have contributed hugely. Naturally, I’m happy to see the talent coming through the Under-19 and ‘A’ team levels.”

The Indian skipper wished his country’s junior squad all the best as they prepare to meet Pakistan in the Under-19 World Cup final in Colombo on Sunday.