Not losing wickets to Kumble was our plan: Bopara

Durban:

Ravi Bopara, who fashioned Kings XI Punjab's seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore, justified his side's cautious start saying saving wickets from Anil Kumble was the team's plan.

Bopara on Friday hit a magnificent 84 to lead Punjab to their first win in the second edition of the T20 event but started hitting his shots only late in their innings.

"Kumble had bowled well and we did not want to lose wickets to him so we went for the boom in the end. I waited for my turn to smack it everywhere," he said after getting the Man of the Match award.

Kumble took one wicket in his four overs and gave away just 19 runs.

Bangalore skipper Kevin Pietersen blamed poor fielding for the defeat but also praised 'superstar' Bopara.

"When you drop few catches you make it hard for yourself. We need to get winning and we will fight to turn it around from Sunday. Bopara played like a superstar," Pietersen said

On being asked if there he was happy with the combination of his team Pietersen said, "I am happy with the team selection."

Winning captain Yuvraj Singh was a happy man.

"Thank god no rain today. I am happy with the 20 over game. We bowled and batted well and stuck to our plans. Ravi was outstanding he kept the momentum (going)," he said.