Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 61 Tue. July 27, 2004  
   
Sports


'We went for bonus point'


India had deliberately sought to gain just a bonus point rather than push for victory after their run chase fell away in their Asia Cup super league match against Pakistan on Sunday, captain Sourav Ganguly said.

India replied to Pakistan's 300 for nine with 241 for eight, securing a bonus point in the final over when they passed 240 and can still qualify for the final of the six-nation tournament if they beat Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

"When we started the innings we wanted to win because we have chased 300 many times in the past, but when we got to 160 for five we wanted to get to 240," said Ganguly, who decided to seek only the bonus point after Mohammad Kaif was run out for three in the 29th over.

"We still have a chance to qualify for the final and the only good thing is that we have been in this situation many times in the past and somehow managed to pull through."

Despite their chances of making the final still being alive, Ganguly said he was disappointed with his side's performances in the tournament.

"We have not played well in this tournament," said Ganguly. "We gave (away) 300 runs which was too much on this wicket and we did not bat well. But at least we have a chance to redeem ourselves on Tuesday.

"(It) was not just a bad day, it was poor cricket. We are not looking the side we were three months ago."