He played a crucial part in his team's comprehensive nine-wicket win with a blazing 82-run knock, but Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Chris Gayle credited his team's bowlers for setting up the crushing nine-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians.
Published: May 10, 2012, 11:14 AM (IST)
Edited: May 10, 2012, 11:14 AM (IST)
Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers restricted the Mumbai Indians total to just 141 © AFP
Mumbai: May 10, 2012
He played a crucial part in his team’s comprehensive nine-wicket win with a blazing 82-run knock, but Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Chris Gayle credited his team’s bowlers for setting up the crushing nine-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians.
“It was a very good wicket to bat on (when we batted) to be honest with you. First of all I must say it was a very good toss to win. The new ball tends to do a lot here. Credit must go to our bowlers who utilised the conditions brilliantly.
“I would actually say our bowlers won this match for us.
To restrict such a good batting line up in the first six overs and also get key wickets was a tremendous effort,” said the left-handed West Indian power-hitter.
Gayle struck six towering sixes and five fours while notching his fourth 80-plus score in the tournament and sixth half-century.
RCB paceman R Vinay Kumar bowled a devastating first spell to reduce Mumbai to two for two by sending back opener James Franklin and Rohit Sharma ? in his opening over.
The former Windies skipper, who got the Orange Cap for becoming the leading run-getter (515 from 11 games) in the tournament, said they knew Lasith Malinga was the danger man for them and their plan was not to let him do the damage.
He said luck was with him when fellow-West Indian Dwayne Smith dropped a skier off a leading edge at point off Rudra Pratap Singh when he was 21 in the sixth over
“He does not drop many catches. That was a surprise. Ball went high it was a tough one even though he is a tremendous fielder. These things do happen. It was unfortunate for him and good luck for me. I was very happy he dropped it.”
Gayle said the victory was achieved in a crucial game but what was more important was that RCB continue in the same vein to get into the four-team play-offs.
“Yeah it’s a good feeling to achieve it but what was more important was actually winning the game. It was difficult position for us but two wins on the trot is actually good for us and hopefully we can continue in the same form in the next couple of games.
“But we need to be consistent. This is history now and we move on to the next game in Pune and hopefully continue that winning vein and give us that chance to have a shot at that trophy,” he signed off. (PTI)
