We squandered a good start: Dhoni

Mohali: As the lead slipped out of their hands following a 24-run defeat in today`s match, India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni rued that they could not cash in on the good start to their chase.

India fell short by 24 runs while chasing 251 to win and were bowled out before batting for full 50 overs.

"Of course (it is disappointing). The wicket was fantastic. We got off to a good start, we needed to win. We should have batted 50 overs. It was a close match. It was fantastic one-day wicket, after initial few overs the ball was coming," Dhoni said after the match as Australia levelled the series 2-2.

Dhoni though was pleased with the performance of the fielders as India effected four run outs.

"This is one of the best fielding we have done in the one-and-a-half years. Spinners did a great job and pacers too restricted them in the last power-play," he said.

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting picked paceman Doug Bollinger for special praise.

"It looked we would get close to 300. But they bowled well in the power-play. India got off to a good start but Bollinger was exceptional. His wickets made the difference," he said.

Bollinger dismissed Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli and rival skipper Dhoni.

Ponting was also happy with the fielding effort of his side and predicted interesting fight in the rest of the series.

"Ya it`s going to be tight. We are looking forward towards the series. It`s been up and down so far," he said.

Shane Watson, adjudged Man-of-the-match for his all round show as he scored 49 and took three wickets, was happy to contribute in his team`s win.

"I contributed well. India had got off to a flying start. We bowled beautifully and we continued to field well," he said.

About his bowling strategy he said, "Initially it was containment, restrict the runs as much as I could. The bowlers were going for runs. I was lucky today. Job made easier by the (Nathan) Hurtiz. He bowled beautifully in the middle."

Bureau Report