Pune: Man of the match of the first T20 international against England Yuvraj Singh said that it was a very important win and felt that they will be able to carry the winning momentum forward in the next match and also in the series against Pakistan.
"Hopefully, we can carry the momentum forward, particularly with the important series against Pakistan coming up," said Yuvraj after India's five-wicket win over England here last night.
It was Yuvraj’s stellar all round show in the match that helped India beat England. He took 3 for 19 with the ball and then smashed 38 in 21 balls with three sixes and two fours.
"Losing 4-0 last year and 2-1 now against England is quite shattering. England played better cricket but we beat them 5-0 in the ODI series last year. It's important to win the first game and get a good start. If we lose we are again trying to win back,” added Yuvraj.
With youngsters coming in the fielding is much better and this win also gives momentum and more confidence for the rest of the series and Pakistan," he added.
Yuvraj said that the spinners played a key role in the match and did well to restrict the English side under 160.
"When the openers start hitting it is always a matter of worry. May be we could have chased 180-190 but our spinners did a good job I also bowled well and the 2-3 wickets broke the momentum," Yuvraj said.
He also showed his solidarity with the whole country and joined everyone praying for the recovery of the 23 year old girl who was gang-raped by six men in a moving bus. Yuvraj also dedicate her an-of-the-match award to her.
"I came particularly to dedicate this Man-of-the-match award to the girl who got gang-raped in Delhi. It is very sad to know what has happened and the whole team is very concerned," Yuvraj said at the post-match press conference.
Yuvraj prayed that the girl recovers soon enough.
"I do not what is the state of the girl now. I want to dedicate it to the girl and her parents. I have been reading a lot about this and this has been very disturbing. I am sure the whole of India is rooting for her recovery," Yuvraj added.
By Indian Sports News Network