Melbourne: Australian all-rounder Shane Watson said his unbeaten knock of 64 against Pakistan in the World Cup quarter final was the "most important innings" of his ODI career as he was "lucky" to survive the hostile spell from Wahab Riaz.

Watson was not in the best of form going into the tournament, but ended up being a vital cog for Australia in the knockout stages as the hosts lifted their fifth World Cup trophy.

"I thought about it as loud as it can get. I had a lot of luck, especially to be able to get through those couple of overs in that spell from Wahab and survive. It worked well for me.

"The innings versus Pakistan was the most important that I have played in ODI cricket as I said I had a lot of luck through that phase because I was able to stay and win the match for my team," an ecstatic Watson said at a media interaction after team's victory celebration, here, at the Federation Square, on Monday.

Watson has now been a part of two World Cup teams and said in jest that it can be associated with joys of having a second baby. "Well I don't have a second child yet, but maybe, it's a feeling close to that. First time in the West Indies was special, but to win it the second time in front of the home crowd is what dreams are made of.

"I feel very lucky to be born at the right time to play World Cup at home. Amazing," a beaming Watson said.

He was all praise for the team's fast bowlers, who performed exceptionally throughout the tournament. Asked to comment on the pacers' performance, Watson said: "Incredible. The fast bowling unit of 2007 was as good as they got, but the way this group executed the plans is incredible.

"Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc along with Josh Hazlewood, who came in during the later stages, complemented each other very well. We executed our plans against big teams like India and Pakistan perfectly."

He was particularly impressed with Starc, who was named Player of the Tournament. "Starc has pace and swing. He has the variations to trouble the best batsmen in the world during death overs."

Since Australia had to play nine matches over six weeks, Watson is fresh and raring to go for his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.

Asked if he needs a break during the first phase of IPL, Watson said: "No, I will be fine. We have played only nine games in six weeks."

(PTI)