"Will Raise Fielding Standards To Fight Against India," Pakistan Captain

After having a close shave towards win against Australia, Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said his team has to raise their fielding standards ahead of a crucial World Cup match against India at Old Trafford on Sunday.

According to AFP reports, Pakistan once again produced some sloppy out-cricket in a 41-run group stage defeat to champions Australia at Taunton, by dropping three catches amid other misfields. "We need to improve because if we want to beat bigger teams like Australia and India then all three aspects of the game are crucial," said Sarfaraz.

"Definitely, I think the fielding needs improvement -- the fielding is not up to the mark. We work together again, and work hard before the India match," the wicket-keeper admitted.

Pakistan have never beaten India in six World Cup matches dating back to 1992.

Media reports say that, Pakistan could have derailed Australia at the start, after Sarfaraz won the toss and opted to field first. He said Pakistan had made too many mistakes of their own in a match where they were dismissed for 266 in 45.4 overs. They now have three points from four games, with two defeats, one win -- a surprise success over tournament hosts and favourites England -- and a no-result.

"We committed more mistakes than Australia. We won a good toss but didn't bowl well in the first 30 overs," said Sarfaraz. He added a rapid collapse that saw three wickets lost for 11 runs as Pakistan slumped to 147/5 had also proved costly.

"We have to overcome our mistakes because India are also a very strong team. We will assess our performance and then we will plan," he finally adds.