After his match-winning unbeaten half-century, Yuvraj Singh said he had always dreamt about playing a major role in a crucial World Cup match against Australia at the Sardar Patel stadium here on Thursday.
“That had always motivated me. The Aussies were the World Champions, had won three World Cups in succession.
And coming up with a game-changing effort against them always inspired me,” he said, here, on Thursday night.
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Yuvraj admitted that he had some doubt about an Indian win once skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was dismissed.
In trouble
“We were in trouble then. But I had hope in Suresh Raina. I knew if we put together some runs, India would be back in the hunt. Raina battled very well.”
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The left-hander said he had batted with a definite game-plan of picking up singles and twos and playing all along the ground.
Yuvraj said his effort was for a special person but declined to name the individual.
Devastated
Australia captain Ricky Ponting revealed much in a single sentence. “We are devastated,” he said.
He added, “India was the better team on the day. We did not seize our chances and we had our opportunities. “I felt we were around 20 runs short. Credit to India in the end.”