Dhoni prepared to mix and match

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be happy to mix and match the World Twenty20 champions' batting order as the Super Eights gets underway.

Dhoni has batted at number three in the wins over Bangladesh (26 runs) and Ireland (14), but admitted he's prepared to tinker with the batting order depending on the conditions.

"We are trying a few things out but we have to see what combinations we have and how many bowlers we are playing," said Dhoni after India eased past Ireland by eight wickets in their final Group A game on Wednesday.

Both sides had already qualified for the Super Eights after wins over Bangladesh.

Dhoni added there were still areas to improve for India.

"Every game you start from scratch. The bowlers did very well and it's a real positive that they are doing their jobs. We can do better in the field. It wasn't our best day," said Dhoni.

"I'm talking about 85-90 percent efficiency, but we can do it."

Dhoni said it was a boost for the champions to have striker bowler Zaheer Khan back in wicket-taking form after the left-arm seamer claimed 4-19 in a man of the match performance.

"We thought he would need a few games to get back in the groove. He's bowling in the right areas and he's a very good asset to have."

Zaheer said his performance was a perfect confidence boost as he continued his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury.

"I hadn't played for four or five weeks so it's great to be back in the wickets. It's a real confidence-booster. I'm very pleased with my performance," said Zaheer after Ireland were restricted to 112-8.

"The shoulder is coming along well. I feel better day by day and I am improving, I feel 100-percent now."

Zaheer had also taken a wicket in India's opening win in the tournament against Bangladesh.

"Trent Bridge is one of my favourite grounds," added Zaheer who revels in his role in the team.

"Taking wickets boosts the confidence and bowling at the death is one of my strengths especially with yorkers.

"I haven't been able to get them going in the last few games, but I'm looking forward to the Super Eights. We work well as a bowling unit and we have a lot of options."

Ireland took the field without star batsman Niall O'Brien, who was resting a sprained ankle, and seamer Trent Johnson also missed out to freshen up for the second round.

"We didn't bat very well and their bowlers were putting it in the right areas," admitted Ireland captain William Porterfield.

"But we nicked a few and posted a fair total. We had a few injuries, but we have no complaints about that."

Ireland start the Super Eights here on Thursday with a game against injury-hit New Zealand here and Porterfield is confident of causing a shock.

"I think we have an upset in us," he said.

NOTTINGHAM, England, (AFP)