IPL 6: Darren Sammy pleased as punch after taking Hyderabad into playoffs

Chasing 131 for a win, Sunrisers Hyderabad made heavy weather of the chase and when they needed a tricky 11 runs from 9 balls, Sammy hit Kolkata Knight Riders' most successful bowler on display Iqbal Abdulla for two sixes in two balls to hasten Hyderabad's entry into the playoffs, en route knocking out the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

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Sammy was ecstatic after scoring the winning hits.

"It feels brilliant after getting there. We played really good cricket here and it's fantastic to finish our last home game in some style. It was a good send off for the Hyderabad crowd," said Sammy, who hit a 12-ball unbeaten 17. (See match pics)

Sammy also stressed the importance of from during the latter stages of the tournament. (Read match stats)

"We were with our backs against the wall and one of us had to stand up. There is no better feeling to stand up for one's team," he added with sweat dripping off his forehead and a child-like smile on his face.

Shikhar Dhawan, who set up the foundation for the 5-wicket win along with fellow opener Parthiv Patel with an 89-run opening stand, is already looking ahead to the playoffs.

"We are really happy with the way we have played so far. With this momentum, we are now looking to do well in the playoffs as well," said Dhawan after the match.

Parthiv, who was named man-of-the-match for an enterprising 47, says the experience of the home conditions helped his side to hold their nerve.

"I was nervous once we made the chase tricky for ourselves. History shows that teams here have choked under such situations but we planned not to choke under pressure. We have been practicing well here and had gotten used to the surface. It is a great achievement for a new franchise like ours to make the playoffs. Our support staff deserves all the credit," he said at the post-match presentation.

Hyderabad skipper Cameron White too heaved a sigh off relief and gave credit to the openers for setting up the win.

"It was not easy for a new batsman to get going straightaway so Dhawan and Parthiv did a great job at the top with that partnership. Not many gave us a chance at the start of the tournament as we were underdogs, but now we've shown that we are a team to beat. We vow to scrap and fight again in the playoffs as we have nothing to lose," said White.