Dhoni took the game away from us: Inzamam

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's blitzkrieg turned the tide India's way in the third one-day international against Pakistan in Lahore on Monday. There was no doubt about that; even Pakistan captain was quick to point it out after the five-wicket defeat.

"The match was in our hands as India had to make more than seven an over when Dhoni came to bat. But he took it away with some great batting," Inzamam said.

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Pakistan's captain did not blame his bowlers but credited the Indian batsmen for chasing the target of 289 successfully.

"We bowled very well today after not doing so well in the first two games. But we did not take our chances and catches were dropped," he rued.

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Inzamam admitted that the Pakistan fielding needed to improve after his outfielders put up a shoddy display conceding boundaries through mis-fields.

"We would definitely try and improve our fielding in the two days' time we have got before the next game," he said, when asked whether his team needs a fielding coach.

Inzamam admitted that India now held the edge in the series.

"In a five-match series, the team that takes a 2-1 lead has the edge. But we are determined to turn it around in the last two games," the 35-year-old batsman added.

Asked about the change effected in the batting order by sending in Shahid Afridi to open the innings with Salman Butt instead of Kamran Akmal, Inzamam said it was done to give some flexibility to the line-up.

"We took a chance by sending him up. We thought he would take the pressure off us with quick runs but it did not succeed. We need to be flexible too in the batting order," Inzamam said.