The six-wicket victory in the second game yesterday has not only restored the balance in the three-match series but has also presented India with an ideal opportunity to revive their sagging fortunes following the World Cup debacle.

A viral bug and fitness problems to some key players took a toll on the Indians in the first game but Rahul Dravid has now found just the right combination to go for the kill against the South Africans, who also promised to field a full-strength squad.

Sachin Tendulkar, who has shown glimpses of his vintage form with scores of 99 and 93 in the series, will have to play a big role in the crucial game at Stormont where India will again miss the services of pacer S Sreesanth, who has not recovered from flu.

Ajit Agarkar, who had to sit out both the matches with cold and fever, was expected to be available for the game which will test India’s ability to handle pressure in crunch situation.

The series-levelling victory yesterday has not only strengthened the morale of Dravid’s men, but also reaffirmed the team management’s faith in the abilities of match-winners like Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Kaarthick.

Yuvraj impressed one and all with his all-round showing in the second game. The left-hander used his slow left-armers to great effect to capture three crucial wickets and then hit an unbeaten 49, sharing an unbroken stand of 85 with Kaarthick (32) to ensure India’s win.

An elated Dravid acknowledged the value of Yuvraj in team. “When we’ve done well over the last couple of years the contribution of Yuvraj at the death has been vital,” the India captain said. Kaarthick, who is known as a cool customer in crunch situations, will also provide strength to the Indian batting order in the crucial game tomorrow. Knowing well that the South Africans are vulnerable to spin bowling, Dravid is likely to continue with the two-pronged spin attack with Piyush Chawla and Ramesh Powar. “The spinners bowled exceedingly well. They took wickets and contained South Africa to a reasonable total.”

South Africa would like to field a full-strength side tomorrow which would ideally have seamer Dale Steyn, who was down with flu, and all-rounder Justin yKemp, nursing a leg injury.

“Dale’s come a long way, while Kemp has been having treatment and hopefully, by Sunday we’ll have a full squad to choose from,” said South African captain Jacques Kallis. “It all bodes well for Sunday’s game. I think it is going to be a terrific game of cricket.”