Unlike India's disastrous 2007 World Cup start in the Caribbean, everything falls in place for the Men in Blue in their World T20 opener against Afghanistan on Saturday
Unlike India's disastrous 2007 World Cup start in the Caribbean, everything falls in place for the Men in Blue in their World T20 opener against Afghanistan on Saturday
His team had won against the minnows of the ICC World Twenty20 tournament, Afghanistan, but there was no mistaking the relief in Mahendra Singh Dhoni's voice on Saturday. The last time he was in the West Indies for the World Cup in 2007, it proved to be a nightmare as India crashed out in the first round league stage itself taking the sheen off the event.
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| India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni during Saturday's match. Pic/AFP |
"We are happy with the victory, looks like we will be able to play the next round," said Dhoni at the post-media conference after India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets at Beausejour Stadium.
Afghanistan proved easy meat for India as Dhoni's men showed no let up in intensity to dominate in all
departments.
India play South Africa, the third team in the group, on Sunday.
"We had a useful practice session yesterday (Friday) and got some rhythm going today. We are feeling confident of facing South Africa," said Dhoni.
From India's point of view, the focus was on opener Murali Vijay and pace bowler Ashish Nehra's performance.
Vijay was under pressure as he had big shoes to fill coming in as replacement for the injured Virender Sehwag while Nehra was coming back from an injury. Both players did well for themselves. Vijay scored 48 off 46 balls while Nehra picked up three wickets. "Please don't try to compare. If Sehwag is there then the opposition is automatically under pressure. Vijay has done well in the first match. He did well in the IPL and has improved his batting. He's an asset in the field too as he covers a lot of ground," said Dhoni.
The Indian skipper said he was always confident about Nehra's ability. "Injuries are part and parcel of the game and I had no doubt he will do well. He's been bowling well for the last 18 months,"u00a0 said Dhoni.
India are likely to field the same team against SA. India had lost to SA in the last World T20 Cup on a turning Trent Bridge wicket. "I am not bothered about the past. What happened in Nottingham will have no bearing in this game. When we won in 2007, we had to play on a green wicket and yet we did well against SA. Hopefully, we will do well this time," said Dhoni.
Figure trigger!
3.75Economy rate for Ravindra Jadeja who bowled his four overs for only 15 runs
EightThe number of runs Afghanistan medium pacer Hamid hassan gave away in three overs against India yesterday. Hassan picked up the wicket of opener Murali vijay during his spell
TenThe number of sixes hit during the India-Afghanistan t20 match played in St Lucia yesterday. Afghanistanu00a0 hit threeu00a0and India seven
