World T20: Beating India Will be the Ultimate Challenge, Says Shane Watson

Australian allrounder Shane Watson, who will retire after the end of the ICC World Twenty20, has said beating India in their own backyard was the ultimate challenge and said Australia was geared up for the knockout challenge on Sunday. (World T20: MS Dhoni Swaps Bat With Golf Club Ahead of Australia Knockout Clash)

The Aussies knocked Pakistan out of the tournament on Saturday, setting up a virtual quarterfinal against India at the IS Bindra stadium. Watson said it is good that his team doesn't have to worry about the run rate anymore as it is a winner takes all affair. (World T20: Australia Will Miss Second Spinner Against India, Says Dean Jones)

"I have played in games where a lot was dependent on run rate and sometimes we missed out because of it. So it is good that it has come down to winning the match with a simple equation. We know we have to be at our best to beat India. They are an incredible team. Especially in Indian conditions, it is going to be a huge challenge for us," said Watson. (James Faulkner Says Variation Is Key To Success in World Twenty20s)

"For my personal perspective, knowing that it could be my last international match, it is certainly a huge game. The good thing is that we played well against Pakistan."

Acknowledging that the home team has not played to its potential so far, Watson said playing India is always a huge challenge.

"It would have been nice if Bangladesh held their nerve a little bit better (against India). That way we would not have to worry so much about the game tomorrow. Look, it is the ultimate challenge in any format, to play India in India.

If you can beat them on Indian soil, it is an incredible achievement.

"All the players know that and I certainly know for sure, having plenty of experiences of playing in India."

On India's performance in the tournament so far, Watson said: "It is right that they have not clicked so far but the conditions have been extreme. Any team would struggle in that scenario. The ball is turning a huge amount, as much I have seen in a T20 game, whether it was in Nagpur or Eden Gardens.

"In Mohali, it doesn't turn that much but they have skillful batsmen and bowlers. All of a sudden their team can click and when that happens they are almost an unbeatable team," said Watson.