World Cup 2015 and India

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Misbah's take on India-Australia match

ADELAIDE: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq believes India will start as favourites in Thursday's World Cup semi-final against Australia because of spin-friendly conditions at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Misbah, whose side lost to Australia by six wickets in a quarter-final at the Adelaide Oval on Friday, said the tournament co-hosts will rue being without a quality spinner in their last four clash.

"Playing in Sydney they will miss a good spinner," said the 40-year-old Misbah, whose one-day international career ended after Friday's defeat by Australia.

"That could be the difference, because spinners have had a lot of success in Sydney and Imran Tahir did well the other day. So that could be a problem for Australia.

"They might just be in trouble there, although it will be a tough game because both sides are playing good cricket."

Leg-spinner Tahir collected four for 26 and fellow slow bowler JP Duminy took three for 29, including a hat-trick, as South Africa bowled out Sri Lanka for just 133 to win Wednesday's quarter-final at the SCG by nine wickets.

Dhoni, however, declined to read too much into the 6-0 tournament record against Pakistan and reminded reporters of their rivals' superior overall one-day record (72-51).

"This World Cup record is good and we are proud of it," he said.

"But a time will come when we will lose to them. This record won't stay for the rest of our lives."

"We should not forget that Pakistan has a better overall record than us. They are a fantastic side and it is never easy to beat them."

"It certainly is not a normal game when India and Pakistan play. It is emotionally draining for everyone. But we can't afford to rest on one win. There is a lot of room for improvement."

We should not forget Pakistan has better overall record: Dhoni - Sport - DAWN.COM