Pak veterans heap praise on Dhoni's men

karachi: Former Pakistani cricketers on Wednesday praised the gutsy performance of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men, who beat world champions Australia to win the tri-series in style.

India stunned Australia on Tuesday by winning the first two of the best-of-three finals, leaving the hosts ruing their second successive series defeat in the triangular event.

"In the end, the class of Sachin Tendulkar came through in telling fashion giving us another example that the little master's career is far from over even now," former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad said.

Tendulkar blasted a hundred and 91 in the finals to set up the sweet victories for his side after a particularly abrasive Test and one-day series.

Miandad said Tendulkar was the main difference between the two sides. "He scored runs when it mattered the most in not easy conditions to bat in. There was a lot of pressure on him and he came through. You could see he was very keen to win this series."

The former Pakistan skipper said Dhoni led his young side well and used his bowlers intelligently.

"The decision to use a natural wristy swing bowler like Praveen Kumar on the Australian pitches was a wise decision and it paid off."

Miandad said the Indians had shown some chinks in the Australian armoury.

"But I do not think this is the start of a bad run for the Aussies. They still remain a tough nut to crack and will bounce back soon," Miandad said.

Former wicketkeeper Rashid Latif said India deserved to savour their victory as it had been a good last few days for them.

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