Don’t give up, Sachin exhorts teammates

He appreciated the fact that the team’s run-rate was a major contributory cause in its debacle against Sri Lanka. One cannot expect to win against sides like Pakistan and Lanka with such low totals, he reckoned. “It’s not a big innings total,” he said.

Tendulkar again underlined need for his side to be in a positive frame of mind. “I have said that they give their 100 per cent. Try don’t give up, other things will take care of itself,”’ was his mantra to his team.

That point comes into focus as it is now clear that Saba Karim was sent in as a pinch-hitter yesterday. The effort towards that end was not evident in his approach, which contributed to the slow run-rate and the resultant build-up in pressure.

Pakistan skipper Rameez Raja said that India is not playing to its potential. But he said that the Indian team for the Asia Cup definitely looks stronger with the return of Mohammed Azharuddin and Navjot Singh Sidhu when compared to the team that did duty in the Independence Cup.

Asked what brings out the best in Pakistan when they faced India, Raja was quick in his reply: “The chance to become instant heroes back home. You can become an overnight sensation.”

He looked optimistic on the eve of the match. “The wins (over India) in the Independence Cup and Siyaram Cup has helped our confidence as also the fact that our youngsters have come on very well.”