Published: Apr 22, 2017, 08:53 AM (IST)
Edited: Apr 22, 2017, 08:53 AM (IST)
Gujarat Lions (GL) made a strong statement in Match No. 23 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 by defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Kolkata on Friday. Chasing 188 runs to win, it was Suresh Raina along with cameos from Brendon McCullum (33) and Aaron Finch (31), who guided the side to a 4-wicket win. This is Gujarat Lions’ first away win this season after quite a few losses. Raina did mention in the post-match presentation that this was a do or die game for them. Raina lauded efforts of Basil Thampi in particular. Speaking about his batting, Raina said that he had to stick till the end and knew chasing was his strength. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Lions – Match 23
“It was an important game for us, do or die I would say. Wicket was pretty good, and we really bowled well towards the end. We came back strongly. We kept losing wickets in the middle and I thought I had to stay till the end,” Raina spoke in the presentation ceremony. He further added, “Kept telling myself, look to be positive. No need to play cross-batted shots. It was a good team effort today.” Speaking about his teams bowling, Raina added, “It was a good team effort today. We got Uthappa at a crucial time, PK (Praveen Kumar) bowled very well with back-to-back yorkers.”
Raina in particular praised Basil Thampi,”Basil is a really good prospect, he’s been very consistent with his yorkers,” Raina opined. Talking about his own form, Raina quipped, “I was very calm at the wicket. I knew I had to stick till the end. I like to chase always.”
Raina, talking about the season so far, said, “If you look at the last two years in the IPL, every team batting second has been in a very comfortable position. Batting looks really good.” Raina was also adjudged Man of the Match for his 46-ball 84. He concluded, “We can improve our bowling. We’ve been giving a lot of runs in the first six overs. It’s been good (his form). Been batting well and just need to continue with that.”
