Ojha gains belief from IPL

Man-of-the-match Pragyan Ojha celebrates the departure of Junaud Siddique, the second of his four wickets at a cost of 21

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Pragyan Ojha believes he gained vital confidence from playing in the Indian Premier League after his 4-21 inspired India to victory in their opening ICC World Twenty20 clash with Bangladesh at Trent Bridge.

Ojha was not deterred by the chilly conditions in Nottingham, and his spell ensured Bangladesh fell 25 runs short of India’s imposing total of 180.

The 22-year-old picked up the man-of-the-match award on his Twenty20 international debut, and looked to his time with the Deccan Chargers in the IPL as a reason behind his fine performance.

“It was quite chilly. But thanks to IPL - where I bowled quite well - I had a lot of confidence in myself, and I backed myself,” Ojha said.

Ojha was happy to share the limelight, though, pointing out others played their part for an India side which was without destructive opening batsman Virender Sehwag.

He also heaped special praise on Yuvraj Singh, who provided some end-of-innings momentum with a brutal 41 off just 18 balls.

“We all contributed well, but especially Yuvraj with the bat,” Ojha said.

Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons was left to reflect on a promising but frustrating performance from his young side.

“I suppose Yuvraj’s innings and a couple of mistakes of ours with the bat decided the game,” said the Australian.

“It was one over of his batting against Naeem there - three sixes - which was probably the telling point.

“Then we’re just making one or two little mistakes. It’s not our skill level any more; just one or two in the field and then a couple of batting decisions.”