October 31, 2007	Wednesday	Shawwal 18, 1428

LAHORE, Oct 30: Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik is in positive mood, despite his team’s Test and one-day series defeat to South Africa, which he says will help them prepare for a tough Indian tour.

“We are disappointed to have lost out on a chance to win the series but the guys tried hard and we will learn from our mistakes for the Indian tour,” Malik said.

“If anything it is good we lost because now we can learn and be better prepared for the Indian tour which is always a pressure one for us.”

Pakistan leave for India on Thursday to play five One-day Internationals and three Tests. Their first one-dayer will take place in Guwahati on Nov 5.

Pakistan were defeated in their five-match one-day series to South Africa on Monday 3-2 after losing the final game by 14-runs. South Africa also won the Test series 1-0.

Malik insisted his team did not cave-in under pressure and said no one was to blame for the defeat.

“We batted irresponsibly in the final match after a solid start,” he said. “I don’t want to blame anyone because everyone tried their best.

“One result does not mean we are chokers,” he added.

Malik said the return of rebellious strike bowler Shoaib Akhtar was a big boost for the team.

“He is always an asset for the team and top bowler if he is 100 percent fit,” Malik said.

“It is good he bowled so well after playing such a long time. It is good sign for the Indian series.”

Shoaib Akhtar returned to international cricket on Monday and took 4-43 after serving a 13- match ban from the PCB.

Meanwhile, Skipper Graeme Smith said his team’s wins in Pakistan could mark a huge step forward for South African cricket.

The Proteas clinched a double after an exciting win in the fifth one-dayer in Lahore on Monday helped them wrap up the series 3-2 after winning the preceding two-Test series 1-0.

“It is a fabulous achievement for us and a huge stepping stone,” he told reporters at the end of the tour.

“After the World Cup people questioned our ability to play in these conditions,” he said. “This series win is a big step forward for South African cricket.

“It is always a big challenge touring Pakistan for any team because of the lot of stuff that comes with it. Coming and playing in conditions you are not accustomed too is tough.”

South Africa won their first Test in Karachi but the final one-dayer was shifted out of the troubled southern city after a suspected suicide bomber struck at a rally of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on Oct 18, killing some 140 people.

South Africa host New Zealand and West Indies next and tour England in July.

“They are a few tactical things we need to look at but I don’t remember the last time we won two trophies in the sub-continent,” Smith said.

“We’ve started the season well and cleared the first major hurdle so taking this confidence into the rest of our season is very important.”—Reuters