RAWALPINDI, March 15: Pakistan coach Javed Mianded asked umpire Simon Taufel to supervise his bowlers in the nets on Monday in an attempt to reduce the number of extras they gave India in the first One-day International.

Pakistan lost Saturday's match in Karachi by five runs, conceding 20 no balls and 10 wides during the Indian innings. "We didn't bowl well at all," Mianded said. "All the extras were gifts for the Indians. We ended up bowling 20 overs instead of the first 15 inside the 30-yard circle."

India amassed 349 for seven in their 50 overs and Pakistan finished on 344 for eight in the highest scoring match in One-day International history. "We batted beautifully in Karachi despite the defeat," Mianded said. "What is important is that these days no score is safe in one-dayers. That's why I believe our bowlers are the key against this strong Indian batting."

Pakistan are considering playing six bowlers in the second one-dayer on Tuesday as paceman Shabbir Ahmed has recovered from the finger injury that ruled him out of the first game of the five-match series.

The game will be fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar's 100th One-day International and he wants to improve his performance in front of his home crowd. "I didn't bowl well at all. I wasn't focused," said Shoaib, who gave away three no balls and six wides against India.

"I conceded too many extras and gave away far too many runs. I know the team is depending on me and I want us to win in this match, a special one for me." Shoaib Akhtar's much-anticipated duel with Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar was the highlight of the first match and although the 28-year-old did get Tendulkar's wicket, he was hit for 55 runs in his 10 overs.

"(Mohammad) Sami and I have worked very hard on our bowling in these two days. We've tried to sort out our problems with the wides and no-balls which are unacceptable at this level," Shoaib said. I don't want to disappoint my home fans. I started my Test career in this ground (in 1997), so tomorrow's game is extra special." -Reuters