16 September 2023 last updated at 00:42 GMT
 
India is 'mini-grand final' for Australia,says Aussie star Michael Hussey
Wednesday 26 September 2012

Veteran batsman Mike Hussey says the opening World Twenty20 Super Eights clash with India looms on Friday as a mini-grand final for Australia.

The 37-year-old, whose batting heroics in the semi-final against Pakistan two years ago single-handedly guided Australia into the final against England in Barbados, believes a win against India would go a long way to setting Australia up for another semi-final berth.

Australia have beaten Ireland and West Indies in the group stage and face a tough draw in the Super Eights against India, South Africa and Pakistan.

"The pressure and tension are only going to rise as we get closer to that India match because it's a huge game," said Hussey.

"If we can win that first one in the Super Eights, it does give you that confidence and that little buffer that you know you just need one out of the last two to get through.

The match will be a return bout for talkative Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and the Aussies.

Harbhajan claimed 4-12 in India's 90-run win over England last weekend in his first international appearance in more than a year.

It was the best bowling performance by an Indian in an T20 International game.


AAP
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