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Home  » Sports » Never thought I could play like this: Yuvraj

Never thought I could play like this: Yuvraj

By A V Nayudu
September 23, 2007 18:38 IST
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His breathtaking form has not just stunned opponents but Yuvraj Singh himself has been left surprised by his dream run at the Twenty20 World Cup.

"I never thought that I could play like this. It is God's benevolence that I am batting like this. Hopefully, if I continue like this in the final too, it will be good for the team. I am hitting the ball well, and I am very happy," he said after India beat Australia in the semi-finals.

Yuvraj batted with a vengeance to blast a 30-ball 70 -- studded with five towering sixes -- to pick up his second consecutive Man of the Match award after his record six sixes in an over sent England packing in the Super Eight stage.

Yuvraj, whose inspirational innings set the tone for India's fightback after a slow start, said doing well against top teams has instilled self belief in the team.

"This win means a lot to us. Australia were playing a full side and beating them has given us a lot of confidence. A lot of people didn't believe in us. We summoned our self belief and came up with a victory.

"This is a brilliant moment for us. When you beat a big team -- like South Africa in South Africa, or Australia overseas -- the confidence is bound to go up. You tend to believe in yourself that you can do it again," he said.

India were finding it difficult to turn on the heat till Yuvraj arrived at the crease with the total on 41 for 2 after eight overs.

Thereafter, he went on to play a sensational knock that left the Aussies looking towards the heavens for succour.

"We wanted a good start, not lose too many wickets early on. When the time was right, we went after their bowlers. We played positive cricket," he said.

"In Twenty20 cricket, you don't have too much time, but you have certain targets against specific teams. However, it is important, whatever format you play, that you do not lose early wickets."

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A V Nayudu
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