Pakistan on a high

LET'S GET A RESULT HERE: Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq explaining something to his team's senior statesmen Yousuf Youhana and Younis Khan. PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan plan to give India yet another shock treatment by raising the level of their performance in the second cricket Test starting at the Eden Gardens here on Wednesday.

The tourists defied the odds by salvaging a creditable draw from a losing position in the opening match of the three-Test series at Mohali on Saturday, frustrating India with their resilient lower-order batting.

Pakistan skipper Inzamamul Haq said his team would not rest on the Mohali laurels, but raise their performance further to win the Test series.

"I think we can win this series, but we need to improve our catching and our top-order batsmen should also deliver," said Inzamam, whose team dropped five catches in the first Test.

Pakistan's main worry was their top-order batting after Salman Butt, Taufeeq Umar and vice-captain Younis Khan all failed in the previous match, putting pressure on their teammates.

Inzamam led from the front with two successive half-centuries before finding a saviour in wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who denied India victory on the final day with a maiden Test century.

Pakistan were just 53 in front with their last four wickets in hand when Akmal put on a record 184 for the seventh wicket with all-rounder Abdul Razzaq (71) to steer his team to safety.

"The fightback will help us in the series. It was a great morale-booster," said Inzamam.

Pakistan not only silenced their critics who had called the team "weak", but also infused new life into the series which was initially considered a contest between two unequal teams.

The inexperienced Pakistani side gained a big psychological edge with their resolute show after being on the ropes on the first four days before coming back strongly on the final day.

But Pakistan will have to solve their pace bowling problems before nurturing hopes of gaining the lead in the series.

Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria alone put in a disciplined performance against a strong Indian batting line-up in the last match, finishing with six wickets.

He, however, lacked support from the other end as pacemen Mohammad Sami, Razzaq and Navedul Hasan failed to keep pressure on the Indian batsmen.

Coach Bob Woolmer, meanwhile, said he did not think there would be many changes in the team despite unimpressive performances from top order batsmen and fast bowlers in the previous match.

"I don't see the need of making drastic changes," he said. "Maybe a couple of tactical changes. That's my personal opinion because I am just one of the selectors."