CLT20: Bowlers set up victory over Highveld Lions, says Rohit Sharma
Despite Dwayne Smith's heroics, the Mumbai Indians skipper believes that the bowlers played a key role in the victory.
Mumbai Indians' captain Rohit Sharma praised his bowlers for setting up the seven-wicket victory against Highveld Lions in a crucial Group A match of the Champions League Twenty20 here on Friday.
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Electing to field, Mumbai produced a fine bowling display to restrict the Lions to 140 for five and then rode on Dwayne Smith's unbeaten 63 to chase down the target with nine balls to spare. (Mumbai vs Lions, as it happened)
"There was something in the wicket and we used it to our benefit. Credit goes to the bowlers who restricted a good batting line up," Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
"In our practice games, Mitchell Johnson was bowling really quick, and that's really good for our team. There was pressure on us to perform and we got the result we wanted," he added.
Lions' skipper Alviro Petersen said they were 20 runs short of what could have been a winning total.
"We were looking at 160, we looked good to get it early on, but lost our way," he said.
"It wasn't quite like the Wanderers here, because it was a touch slow, but it was a brilliant wicket."
Man-of-the-match Smith said his game plan was to spend time at the wicket. (Related: Sachin's run-drought continues)
"I know if I spend time at the crease, I will get runs, so that's what I tried to do," he said.
"I can change my game, especially when we are losing wickets, and it's up to me to be smart and do that. I just have to be confident," Smith added.