India hold edge over Australia in Twenty20 semi-final: Ganguly

Kolkata, Sep 21 (UNI) Lauding M S Dhoni for his cool captaincy, former Team India skipper Sourav Ganguly said not having lost a single game in Durban in the Twenty20 World Cup will hold good for the men in blue against the mighty Aussies in the semi-final tomorrow.

Talking to the media after an extensive practice session at the Eden Gardens, Ganguly said, ''Australia and India are both quality teams. But India has an advantage and it is that they have won all three matches in Durban, though it was bowl out win against Pakistan. But a win is a win. They have the advantage.'' Then he added, ''I think the toss will be crucial. At Durban, anybody should bat after winning toss specially if it is day-night match.'' Asked to comment on India's performance, he said, ''Obviously India is playing well. England and South Africa are two good teams and additionally both were pressure games. Dhoni and the team has done really well in South Africa.'' ''But a semi-final is a different game. It is a small game in which three-four overs can make a big difference. Australia without their regular captain (Ricky) Ponting will be weak in batting and India is playing good,'' he added.

Commenting on Dhoni as skipper, he said, ''He is a cool customer.

He looked outstanding. He is relaxed in the three-four matches he had led the team. He made all the right decisions under pressure which is important.'' On the innovative shotmaking in the Twenty20 World Cup, he said, ''These shots are only for Twenty20. In the longer version of the game such shots will not be there.'' Ganguly was all praise for Yuvraj Singh, who he thought had played good cricketing shots enroute his six-sixes against England.

''He was brilliant. Six sixers in six balls is unbelievable. I have not seen previous performances but I think it was the best.'' He also praised the RP duo in the team. ''While Rohit played a fine game under pressure, RP Singh has been bowling well all through the season. He has done well in Ireland and England. He has really improved in leaps and bounds.'' Coming back to Rohit Sharma, Ganguly said, ''He played well in his first game. He has done very well. He is a fresh, young boy. He must play consistently. One match cannot be decider.'' Talking about the two crucial series of Australia and Pakistan, he said, ''Each series is tough. India is playing good for last six months after the World Cup. It will be good series. Tough but good.'' On him not playing Twenty20, he said, ''This was a personal decision of not playing Twenty20. I am not missing it in that way.

Besides, this is almost the Indian team. Only we three are left out.'' Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly had opted out of the Twenty20 World Cup on personal grounds.

Asked about his future position in the team, Ganguly added with a big smile, ''It will be Dhoni's plan. He is captain. My objective will be playing good cricket and helping the youngsters and standing by the skipper.'' Then he added, ''The players are playing good, the team is performing and I always believe it is captain's team.'' UNI