Yuvi heroics takes India on top in group B points table of world cup 2011

India's World Cup campaign got back on the right track on Sunday. Yuvraj Singh played an all-round game – bagged his maiden fivewicket haul and scored 50 not out – to ensure that the hosts earn two full points against a spirited Ireland and march towards the quarter- finals.

Barring a few minor hiccups during the game, it was a fairly easy five-wicket win for India in the end. Ireland, who had stunned England here on Wednesday put up a brave face, but their fight fizzled out against a much superior side.

Indian bowlers, led by part-timer Yuvraj, did well to bowl out Ireland for 207 in 47.5 overs, despite a century partnership between captain William Porterfield and Niall O’Brien.

Then, Yuvraj put on the batting pads to lead the chase and ensured that India were home without a stumble (210 for five in 46 overs) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Punjab player was adjudged the man of the match.

Yuvraj was on fire with the ball too as he grabbed his maiden five-wicket haul. It was his 268th ODI and he now has 99 wickets.

With this win, registered with four overs to spare, India have gone to the top of Group B with five points from three matches — they had earlier beaten Bangladesh and 'tied' with England — and remain the only unbeaten team in this pool. England also have five points but their run rate is inferior to India’s.

Sachin Tendulkar was the other main contributor while captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni chipped in with 34 and Yusuf Pathan entertained with a hardhitting 30 not out (24 balls, 2x4s, 3x6s). Trent Johnson and Geroge Dockrell bagged two wickets apiece.

Virat Kohli was shaping up well, but a misunderstanding with Yuvraj led to his run out. Ireland, who had shocked England here on Wednesday, again impressed with their limited resources, especially their fielding. The players threw them- Yuvi & Pathan get Irish scare off India’s back selves on the ground to stop the ball and save the boundaries.

Earlier, Dhoni won the toss and, apparently influenced by the pitch behaviour in the first two games here, as he said on Saturday, chose to bowl first. Pacer Zaheer Khan provided a sensational start by capturing two wickets in his six deliveries.

He could have dismissed three, but the edge from Paul Stirling’s tentative bat was floored by Yusuf Pathan at second slip. As the ball popped up after hitting his palm, he failed to grab it on a difficult second attempt. But off the next delivery, a virtually unplayable one, Zaheer bowled Stirling neck and crop.