Mahendra Singh Dhoni downplayed his side’s sixth consecutive win in World Cups over arch-rivals Pakistan. Instead, the Indian captain was proud of the manner in which yesterday’s 76-run win was achieved at Adelaide Oval.
Virat Kohli scored 107 and had century partnerships with Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina as India reached 300 in their 50 overs. Then, in front of a colourful, predominantly sub-continent crowd of 41,587, they bowled out Pakistan for 224 with a disciplined performance on the field.
When asked for his reaction on beating Pakistan again, Dhoni said: “Well, the record is good, but it's something that I don’t want to get into, because there will come a time when we will lose, irrespective of whether it happens in this World Cup, next World Cup or four World Cups down the line.
“It’s not something that will stay until the world exists. No point in really thinking about it. Yes, we are proud of the fact that we have done it, but if you just see the India‑Pakistan stats, you know we are way behind in ODIs. They have really dominated.”
Dhoni said the win was especially pleasing because it was the closest they have come to playing a perfect game, with every member of the team making vital contributions.
“We never lost our positive approach even when we lost the Tri-series matches. There were quite a few areas where we had to improve both in the bowling and in the batting department,” said Dhoni.'
“In fact, in this game it clicked together. It’s something that you have to do in tournaments like this. You have to be at your best, and I felt today was one game which was, to a lot of extent, a very complete game for all of us.
“But still, there are areas where we need to improve…like in the first five overs. In quite a few games that we have played so far, we have given too many boundary deliveries. That’s where you have to actually put more pressure on the batsmen.
“You have to make use of the new ball. If they are taking risk and playing the big shots and if they are successful, that’s fair enough, but you don’t want to give boundary opportunities in the first four or five overs.”
India’s next match is against South Africa, to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, February 22.
