Inzamam blasts batsmen

KINGSTON, Jamaica
Inzamam-ul-Haq blasted his batsmen for failing to complete a moderate run chase after Pakistan lost the opening match of the World Cup to hosts West Indies by 54 runs.
The skipper was not impressed with the way his side failed to chase a target of 242 in the Group D clash at Sabina Park on a pitch that he said was "absolutely fine".
Pakistan started poorly when they lost their first three batsmen -- Imran Nazir, Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez -- with just 39 runs on the board.
When a patient but promising stand of 60 between him and Mohammad Yousuf ended, Pakistan's chances of a win evaporated.
"We should have got those runs," Inzamam told reporters. "I think 242 was a gettable score.
"We thought we could have chased those runs and we should have chased those runs.
"Yousuf's wicket was crucial but we lost three quick wickets (at the start) and we could have done well if we had more wickets left at the end."
Inzamam rejected claims that he made the wrong decision after winning the toss and electing to bowl.
He also defended the bowlers, even though they allowed number eight batsman Dwayne Smith to score 32 from 15 balls. Pakistan conceded more than 50 runs from their last five overs.
"The decision as far as the toss was concerned was fine and the bowlers did a good job," Inzamam said.
"We just didn't chase properly enough and West Indies bowled a good line and length.
"Our middle order is a very experienced batting line-up and we should have taken more responsibility in the opening game of the tournament.
"But we will regroup and come back for the next match."
Pakistan will play Ireland on Saturday before they face Zimbabwe next week.