Chennai, Mar 20: Indian batting star Yuvraj Singh reckons that India have a good chance to beat Australia in the World Cup as the defending champions are not the same intimidating force due to retirements of some key players.
India set up the last-eight clash with Australia on Thursday after pummeling West Indies by 80 runs today with Yuvraj putting up a fine all round show by scoring his maiden World Cup century and taking two wickets.
"They have won five games. The teams are equal at the moment. Whosoever plays better on the particular day will win the match. No doubt, Australia is a top side having won the title for last three years.
"However, players like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist are not there in the team. Ricky Ponting has not been in his form. We will focus and try to win the match by exposing their weakness," Yuvraj, adjudged Man-of-the-match, said at the post match press meet.
Yuvraj, who scored 113 said, batting up the order helps in getting a big score since you could bat for a long period.
"I wanted to get 100. You bat at four you get to play more balls than at five. I thought I would not hit the ball in the air and keep it to the ground. I have been looking on the game and this is the first game that I was hitting the ball well.
"It is a big moment for me and Indians and the nation. I feel happy. I need to continue the form in the quarterfinal. It was very hard…tough times for me. As I say tough people stand out even during tough times."
Yuvraj also oozed confidence of facing the fearsome pace attack without any trouble.
"We do not have any issue with the short ball. We have been a number one test and one day side in the world. If we had problems with the short balls, we cannot be on top. We know definitely that they have pace and get wickets on their pace. We are prepared for it," he said.
"If you are thinking of winning the world cup, it does not matter (who you play). You need to beat the best sides such as Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to win the Cup."
On India not being able to bat the quota of 50 overs, he said, "It will be an issue for you (media), if we do not win the games. We are happy that we are getting ready for the quarter final.
Asked whether he felt dehydrated during today's knock, "It was not dehydration but stomach cramps. Couple of guys are having some problem with stomach bug."
Asked about reaction when Sachin walked back to pavilion despite umpire signalling not out, he said, "Not surprised. He felt that he has to walk and he walked. It is a personal decision. It should be left to the person concerned." PTI
