Sport - Cricket

Yuvraj surprised with himself

Durban: His breathtaking form has not just stunned opponents, but Yuvraj Singh himself has been left surprised by his dream run at the World Twenty20 cricket championship.

“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 semifinals on Saturday.

“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 was finding it difficult to turn on the heat till Yuvraj arrived at the crease with the total on 41 for two 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,” Yuvraj added. — PTI

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