Youngsters Yuvraj and Kaif earn captain's praise

India captain Saurav Ganguly praised young batsmen Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif for leading their side to a victory over Zimbabwe on Saturday that levelled the one-day series at 2-2.

"We played pretty good cricket," Ganguly said after his team's five-wicket win which set up a series decider on Tuesday.

Yuvraj and Kaif, both 21, kept cool to ensure India reached a target that was looking increasingly difficult on a slow pitch.

Left-hander Yuvraj lashed an unbeaten 80 from 60 balls, while Kaif anchored the innings with 68 from 101 balls to lift India to 244 for five from 48.1 overs in reply to Zimbabwe's 240 for eight.

"Yuvraj played a fantastic knock and Kaif supported him very well," Ganguly said.

The duo, who played prominent roles in India's junior world cup victory two years ago, showed good understanding running between the wicket in the early part of their crucial 94-run stand.

"I always told him (Yuvraj) to play straight as he is a good timer of the ball and Kaif played with a lot of responsibility," Ganguly said.

Kaif top-scored with 56 in Cochin on Wednesday, but coach John Wright slammed the player for not going on to make a bigger score as India were dismissed for a modest total and eventually lost by six wickets.

He kept going on Saturday, though, until he was run out attempting a non-existent single with victory in sight.

Yuvraj said his understanding with his former junior team mate had helped.

"The pitch was slow, but I have played with Kaif for four-five years and so rotating the strike was easy," he said.

Zimbabwe skipper Stuart Carlisle said the two batsmen took the game away from his side.

"At one stage we thought we had a chance, but we never thought it was in our pocket," he said. "This has now opened up the series and let's see what we can do (in the final game)".

Mail Cricket Editor