IPL debutant Kochi Tuskers Kerala today succumbed to their second consecutive defeat but skipper Mahela Jayawardene said it is still early days and his team would need just one win to turn things around.
Published: Apr 14, 2011, 01:51 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 14, 2011, 01:51 PM (IST)
Mahela Jayawardene, the captain of Kochi Tuskers Kerala in action during their match against Pune Warriors India.
Mumbai: Apr 14, 2011
IPL debutant Kochi Tuskers Kerala today succumbed to their second consecutive defeat but skipper Mahela Jayawardene said it is still early days and his team would need just one win to turn things around. Up against another IPL debutante Pune Warriors, Kochi suffered a four-wicket defeat and Jayawardene said though his team is puting some decent performances they have to focus on the dying moments of the game more.
“From where we started, losing 3-4 wickets upfront, we came back strongly, but could not finish the game. We have to ensure we do that. T20 cricket, you have to do that, one or two overs here or there, and you lose a game. We had a chance after Robin’s dismissal,” he said.
“But it is just the beginning of the tournament, we need not be negative. I think just one win can change things for us and the momentum will take us ahead in the tournament,” added the Sri Lankan. Pune Warrior skipper Yuvraj Singh felt his team could have done better but he wasn’t complaining as they were on the winning side.
“Partnership between Hodge and Jadeja got them to a good total. Robin and Mohnish played well. We could have bowled and fielded well, but we won at the end of the day,” he said. “Mohnish keeps telling me that he wants to open, but I tell him he can be good at No 6 and finish the game for us and he did that today. He is going to be at No 6 from now on.”
Man of the match Mohnish Mishra, who scored a crucial 21-ball 37, said it was a challenge for him to bat at number six. “I am happy with No 6, it is a challenge for me to bat at this position. It was tough after Robin’s dismissal, I thought I would stay till the end,” he said. “The sweep shot is on against the off spinner, I went for it and got it. I had not faced Murali much but watched him closely and went for it.”
Pune Warriors wicket-keeper batsman Robin Uthappa, who blasted a 13-ball 31, said he was enjoying his role in his new franchise. “I time the reverse sweep very well, just have to work more on the shot. I did pretty well last year, hopefully I can do even better this year. I enjoy keeping, have been moving well. Generally I like to open the batting,” he said.
Pune Warriors chased down a target of 149, set by the Tuskers, to register their second win in the IPL.
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Pictures © AFP
