Sachin Tendulkar, who led a charmed life to hit a crucial 85 in Wednesday's semifinal win, is targetting his first World Cup title in front of his home fans in Mumbai.
“The final in Mumbai will be a fantastic occasion. We will focus on the job in hand and try to get the job done,” said Tendulkar of Saturday's title match against Sri Lanka.
Tendulkar again missed out on making 100 international centuries but had the satisfaction of having played in all five of India's World Cup wins over Pakistan.
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Now he hopes to be at the forefront of Saturday's campaign where India will look to capture a second World Cup title, 28 years after its first and only triumph.
“It's always memorable to play against Pakistan and to be on the winning side five times against them is a memory I will always cherish.
“But it was a brilliant effort in the field and by the bowlers today. When we batted we had to make sure we got a fighting total. I thought 310 or 315 would have been a good par score.
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“Then the ball started stopping and spinning and something closer to 270 was par.”
Harbhajan happy
Harbhajan Singh, who took two for 43, said the semifinal would have made a great title match.
“This was like a final. Whenever India and Pakistan play the pressure is always double. It was a big match for us and for them,” he said.
“We bowled and fielded well and I think we deserved to win. We played good overall cricket. I am looking forward to going to Mumbai and playing in the final.”