Sports
Facing India in semis a tough challenge, says Clarke
After overpowering Pakistan in the quarter-finals of the cricket World
Cup on Friday, Australian skipper Michael Clarke said the semi-final
against India would be a tough challenge.
India on Thursday beat
Bangladesh by 109 runs and now face Australia at the Sydney Cricket
Ground (SCG) in the second semi-final on March 26.
Speaking at
the post-match presentation ceremony Clarke said: â€They (India) are in
good form, they are playing really well. MS (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni is
leading them very well. It's certainly going to be a tough challenge. We
have to be at our best.â€
On Friday, Pakistan were bowled out for
a paltry total of 213 runs at the Adelaide Oval. Australia were pegged
back early in their innings. But they came back well to clinch the match
with six wickets and 97 balls to spare.
The skipper credited his
side for pulling off the win but also praised Pakistan pacer Wahab
Riaz’s effort of putting the co-hosts under pressure.
“I am
extremely happy. A really close game in the end. I thought our bowlers
did a really fantastic job once again tonight," the 33-year-old said.
"Our
fielding was excellent and then credit to Pakistan and Wahab Riaz. The
way he came out and bowled, certainly put us under pressure. I think
that's as fast a spell as I've seen in a long time,†he said.
Clarke
said they will be treating the semi-final just as any other game as
setting the bar too high can result in excessive pressure.
“I've
spoken a lot to the team about not setting the bar too high and not
putting the World Cup on a pedestal. Because sometimes when you build
something up so much, it's really hard to grab, really hard to win. So I
think for us, it's about preparation as always.
“Every time you
walk out to bat or bowl for Australia you want to do your best and this
game will be no different. The players will prepare well and we'll go,
enjoy and play another great game for Australia,†said Clarke.