Need to raise game against Lanka's spin duo: Yuvraj

Colombo, Aug 15 (UNI) After steering India to a confidence boosting 92-run victory over Lankan XI here today, vice captain Yuvraj Singh, who hit a swashbuckling 172, has hinted a possible turn around in the five-match ODI series but claimed that the visitors will need to fire against the formidable spin duo of Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis.

Yuvraj spelled his prowess with eight fours and 13 sixes in his 121-ball innings helping India to pile up a massive 342 runs for the loss of five wickets ahead of the five-match one-day series against hosts Sri Lanka, starting on Monday.

India, after winning the toss elected to bat first and began promisingly with Yuvraj leading the way and useful partnerships with Suresh Raina (45), Rohit Sharma (24) and skipper Dhoni (20 not out).

In reply, the Lankans never looked in the hunt despite Jehan Mubarak (60) and opener Upul Tharanga (50) went ahead with their attack but were eventually restricted to 250 for six.

''I came to Sri Lanka with lot of expectations and I am happy with the way I have started in the rights spirit,'' yuvraj said.

Elated over the brilliant 92-run win at the start of the tour, the left-handed batsman from Punjab said, ''I am feeling very confident after the warm up match today.'' Yuvraj, however, believes that not much should be read from the warm up match as Sri Lankan bowling has become even more dangerous with Ajantha Mendis joining the experienced Murlitharan.

''The two have been bowling very well. I have seen them in the Test series they have been outstanding. Earlier, Murali was only one but now they also have Mendis. So we have to play outstanding cricket to deal with the situation,'' he said.

Even though his innings of 172 came in a warm up match, Yuvraj rated it highly.

''Obviously I have to face a better attack when I play the ODI. But today my innings was against an international side.

With Mendis and Muralitharan, Sri lanka will have a potent attack,'' he said.

''I was happy about hitting four sixes in the 45th over of Mubarak. Of course the six sixes was there in my mind. But it is not possible to do it everytime,''he added.

UNI XC PY RAR GC2234