We hope to carry the momentum forward: Yuvraj

Hosts score five-wicket win to take 1-0 lead

Off to a good start in Twenty20s after the "shattering" Test debacle, India batsman Yuvraj Sigh said he was confident that the team would carry the momentum not only into the second and final tie against England here tomorrow but also into the upcoming series against arch-foes Pakistan.

"In Twenty20s and ODIs, we have done well against them Hopefully, we can carry the momentum, particularly with the important series against Pakistan coming up," said Yuvraj after India's five-wicket win over England in Pune last night.

The all-rounder played a key role, taking 3 for 19 to half England's progress in batting and then smashed 38 in 21 balls with three sixes and two fours to help India overhaul the visitors' score of 157 for 6 with five wickets to spare.

India will take on Pakistan in a two-match T20 series commencing at Bangalore on December 25. The second game of that series is scheduled at Ahmedabad on December 28.

This would be followed by a three-match ODI series against the neighbours from December 30 this year to January 6, 2013 after which India would engage England in a best-of-five ODI series from January 11 to 27.

"Losing 4-0 (in Test series in England last year) and 2-1 (recently in the four-match Test series at home) was quite shattering. England played better cricket but we beat them 5-0 in the one-dayers (last year)," said Yuvraj who was part of the Test squad that got beaten by England.

Yuvraj said the younger lot of players improved the fielding of the team.
"It's important to win the first game and get a good start. If we lose we are again trying to win back. 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, who has been unable to replicate his superb show in T20s and ODIs at the Test level, said the shortest form of the game offered him a chance to play freely.

"When T20 comes I play a bit openly. I enjoyed my batting and my bowling was effective and contributed to the team."