Yuvraj optimistic of India doing well against Sri Lanka

Port of Spain, Mar 22 (UNI) Hard-hitting batsman Yuvraj Singh has exuded confidence of India's good showing in the do-or-die match against Sri Lanka in their last league assignment in Group 'B' at the World Cup here tomorrow.

The Punjab southpaw admitted that India have a stiff task at hand in trying to qualify for the Super Eight stage of the 2007 World Cup after losing their opening game to Bangladesh here last week.

''We know it's an important task before the team. We have to step forward from here and get into the Super 8. Everybody knows it. We are all focused. We had a good game against Bermuda and the boys are working hard together which is really good for India,'' Yuvraj told mediapersons here.

''Personally, the last two matches have been good for me. I am happy with the way I have batted. But as a team we didn't have good result in the first game. We needed to put up a good, solid performance in the second one.

''Hopefully in the next match also I will be able to carry on this performance. I am looking forward to that.'' Asked whether it had become so that chasing at the Queen's Park Oval is a better option, big-hitting left-hander said: ''Obviously.

The wicket does a bit in the morning. Even if you see out some good overs in the beginning you can still build up innings later. But I don't think the toss is really vital. But we will see how it goes on Friday.'' Yuvraj, who fired seven massive sixes in his 83 against Bermuda, was candid enough to admit that heat was on.

''I don't want to say that there is no pressure. There is. It is a very important game and the whole country is looking for India to win that match. We really want to put up a solid performance. We've come here a long way and practiced really hard.'' He had a word of praise for Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, and other pacers.

''They have some good bowlers in Murali, Vaas, Maharoof and Malinga. We have to look at whatever target we set. Our approach will be to go out there, just watch the ball and play it on merit.'' Asked if is bit bothered about facing slower bowlers like Murli, Yuvraj shot back, ''I have been batting down the order. I know that I have to go there and hit the ball. In the nets and in the last game that was exactly what I did. But of course you have to look at the situation also. Whatever it is, I will try to do my best.'' He was of the view that a total of 250-odd will be a competitive one. ''This is a very different kind of wicket. I think 240-260 is a good score here. It is on the slow side and will be difficult to bat on while chasing.'' Yuvraj said all the players understand the importance of this crunch match and are ready to give their best.

UNI