His 126-ball 128 set the stage for Pakistan's comprehensive victory over India in the Champions Trophy match on Saturday, but Shoaib Malik feels the scenario could have been different had Mahendra Singh Dhoni introduced
Harbhajan Singh early into the attack.
Man-of-the-match Malik, who shared a match-winning record 206-run fourth wicket stand with Mohammad Yousuf (87), said Dhoni missed a trick by bringing on the off-spinner late in the attack, especially after Pakistan were tottering at 65 for three at one stage.
"I think he [Dhoni] should have brought on Harbhajan early. We were three down and another wicket would have hurt us," said Malik about Dhoni's ploy of introducing the off-spinner in the 25th over.
Meanwhile, Pakistan skipper Younis Khan said he next aim is keeping a clean record in the tournament.
"We have never reached the final of the Champions Trophy but this time I want to keep a clean slate all through," he said.
Although Younis lauded India for its brave run chase, he said he never felt his side was in danger of losing the match.
"It was a good toss to win and even a score of 260-270 was defendable. Even though they started their chase brilliantly, I thought we only needed a wicket or two to get back in the match. After all, this score has never been chased at this venue," Pakistan's captain said.
Younis had words of consolation for his premier fast bowler Umar Gul, who went for quite a few runs.
"You can have a day-off. He (Gul) bowled too short and when he needed to bowl up."
Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal was impressive against the Indians, picking two crucial wickets for just 31 runs from his eight overs, and Younis said the youngster has a bright future ahead.
"I don't really want to praise him too high. There is this tendency in our part of the world where youngsters are immediately compared to Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul Haq. This can make a youngster lose his bearing.
"But, yes, Saeed is coming up very nicely. We now have good youngsters in Umar Akmal, Mohammad Aamer and Saeed. If they keep performing and learning, we can be the best in near future," he said.
