Cape Town: Zaheer Khan yesterday (Nov 24, 2006) defended his batting colleagues against scathing criticism of their performance in the second one-dayer against South Africa and said the team was one victory away from rediscovering its winning momentum.

Zaheer, who has made a strong comeback after being sidelined for eight months, rebutted charges that India's batsmen frequently let the bowlers down when playing abroad.

"I don't think so. Our batsmen have had good outings in foreign conditions. Even in South Africa last time around, Virender Sehwag had got a brilliant hundred in his debut Test," the Baroda left-arm seamer said.

"It would take just a win for us to turn things around," said Zaheer, leaner and perhaps wiser than ever, after the indoor nets at the University of Cape Town.

The 28-year-old pacer, who picked two for 53 at Durban two days ago, put his satisfactory return to international cricket down to his perseverance and unwavering faith.

"I have made a comeback through my perseverance and also because I never lost faith in my ability. I knew that the road to comeback was a hard one but I was prepared for it," he said.

"Now that I have made an acceptable return, I intend to do better in the rest of the tour." Zaheer also left it to the team management to decide whether he should bowl with the new ball or come in as first change.

"I would go by what team management wants me to. I am comfortable either way," he said.