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IPL 2017: “Win against Royal Challengers Bangalore gives Gujarat Lions lot of confidence,” says Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina pointed out that wickets of Chris Gayle and Travis Head off consecutive deliveries were the turning point of the match.

Suresh Raina is now IPL 2017's leading run-getter © BCCI
Suresh Raina is now IPL 2017’s leading run-getter © BCCI

Suresh Raina-led Gujarat Lions (GL) thrashed Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 7 wickets and 43 balls to spare to keep their hopes of qualifying to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 playoffs alive. Raina said that this win against RCB gave his side a lot of confidence. He was also quick to praise his bowlers Andre Tye, Nathu Singh and Basil Thampi. He also pointed out that wickets of Chris Gayle and Travis Head off consecutive deliveries were the turning point of the match. GL, who started the day rock bottom of the table have now moved up two spots into sixth spot with six points from eight matches. Full Cricket Scorecard: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) vs Gujarat Lions (GL) IPL 2017, Match 31 at Bengaluru

“We did very well in all departments,” Raina said after the match. “AJ, Faulkner, and Jadeja bowled really well. Then Finchy batted brilliantly. The wicket did something with the new ball. AJ took back-to-back wickets. That was the turning point. It was a team effort today. Basil and Nathu were also accurate. Finch was smashing everything, I was just looking at ones and twos. Today’s win gives us a lot of confidence,” Raina added. READ: GL hammer RCB by 7 wickets in IPL 2017

Man of the match Andrew Tye said that the execution of his hat-trick ball this time was not good. He also revealed his plan for Gayle. “The execution of the hat-trick ball was not as good as the last time (laughs). Glad we got the result tonight,” Tye said. “My plan to Gayle was to hit a good length and not give anything away. I got it on the right spot. The ball came on nicely, it was a pretty good wicket. It had some pace in it and suited our attack tonight.”

Tye was also pleased with performances of Nathu and Thampi. “Nathu Singh has the skill to be at this level. Basil has shown class at this level. Those two have bright futures ahead of them. I love the IPL, the schedule has been hectic, but India is always a special place to play cricket,” Tye said.

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