Bengaluru, March 6: Indian middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh on Sunday said that the five-for he achieved in the first innings against Ireland gave him the confidence to finish the run chase while batting under pressure.

Yuvraj also said that he was hitting the ball well and once he achieves a good strike rate he will be back to his best while batting.

Excerpts from an interview:

On the perfect day at the office - an unbeaten fifty and a five-for

Yeah, I am definitely happy with my bowling performance. It was my first five-wicket haul so I am very happy about it. I am happy to finish the game. I think Ireland played well and had put us under pressure. We held our nerves and got the game for India.

On his improved bowling performance

Yeah, I have been discussing with MS [Dhoni] about what kind of pace and length I need to bowl at. And obviously the wickets are slower so I need to adjust my pace and I have tried to bowl up and make the batsman drive.

On how much did the five-for help him when he came onto bat

It gives you a lot of confidence. Once you have done well with the ball and have fielded well then it gives you confidence that you can finish the game while chasing.

On Ireland’s performance

I think they [Ireland] bowled well and fielded exceptionally well. They took wickets in between and they have come to the World Cup as a different team. One has to play really well against them.

On his unbeaten fifty

I am hitting the ball down the ground. Once I start hitting the 100 per cent strike rate I am sure I will be there.

On achieving the double feat of five-for and 50 runs

Thanks to God. What more can I say.