Pakistani greats blame poor fielding for defeat

Former greats and fans Thursday singled out sloppy fielding as the main reason for Pakistan's 29-run loss against bitter rivals India in the high-profile World Cup semi-final in Mohali.

Pakistan dropped six catches, four off Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar, to help their rivals post a challenging 260-9.

Tendulkar went on to make 85 and won the man of the match award.

Pakistan succumbed to the pressure of the run-chase and were bundled out for 231 in a match watched by Pakistani prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and India's Manmohan Singh as well as millions of fans either side of the border.

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan said India won despite not performing at their best level.

"Had Pakistan fielded well the target would have been around 220 which would not have been difficult on that pitch," said Imran, who led Pakistan to their only World Cup title in 1992. "No team can win the World Cup with such poor fielding and dropping Tendulkar four times was a crime," added the former skipper in reference to drops when the Indian star was on 27, 45, 70 and 84.

Imran added that India had handled the pressure well. KARACHI, AFP