Dhoni feeling confident Down Under

The champions were winless throughout the Test series against Australia and then tri-series of one-day internationals involving the hosts and England.

But they are bang on course for qualification for the last eight from Pool B after opening victories against Pakistan and then, more notably, South Africa.

United Arab Emirates, by comparison, ought not to stretch them in Perth on Saturday.

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes he can put his finger on the reason for the improvement.

His team are enjoying the wide open spaces of Australia and can move with more relative freedom than on home soil - where they are revered often to the point of fanaticism.

Asked why India are gelling so well just when they need to most, Dhoni said: "I think it's the belief and trust we have in each other.

"What's very important is to have that belief.

"That magic wand actually is the support staff and the 15 players - because irrespective of what others think, what really matters is what 15 people who are part of the team are thinking and how the management is working.

"If we are moving in one direction and we are together, there are more chances of us making a strong comeback."

India's recent realisation of all that potential is ominous for UAE, who lost narrowly to Ireland in Brisbane on Wednesday.

They have since travelled three time zones west, and will need to have transferred their very best form too if they are to push the world champions.

Seamer Amjad Javed also hit a handy 42 down the order against the Irish, and he believes more experience of facing the best teams is crucial.

"If you are getting some good games against Test-playing nations, good exposure, definitely (it helps)," he said.

"Then the boys will learn from their mistakes."