Too many wickets cost us the match: Kumble

Durban:

Royal Challenger Bangalore skipper Anil Kumble on Friday held his team's batting failure for the humiliating eight-wicket defeat to South Australia in the Champions League Twenty20 Group B match here.

"Too many wickets at regular intervals, especially losing (Ross) Taylor at that stage. Dillon (du Preez) got us to 150, we could have put pressure if we got early wickets," a disappointed Kumble said after the match.

"We could have bowled better, but should have had 15 runs more," he added.

Preez and Taylor scored an identical 46 to help Bangalore overcome a mid-innings slump and post 154 although it later proved insufficient.

Kumble also admitted that they missed South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis' service today and hoped he will be available for the next match in the tournament.

"The next game is a must-win for us. Hopefully Kallis will be fit for the game," he said.

RCB now takes on another IPL side Mumbai Indians on September 19 here.

Meanwhile, South Australia captain Michael Klinger, who was adjudged Man of the Match, was satisfied with the team's performance.

"This is really good all-round performance. We have got the talent to beat anyone and the boys are believing in it at the moment. Great atmosphere in the dressing room, this is fantastic," he said.

"(Shaun) Tait is a fantastic weapon for us. Daniel Christian is one of the best in the death," he added.

The captain also said that they have put much effort to improve the fielding of the team.

"We have put a lot of efforts in fielding and we are getting the results," said Klinger, who made an unconquered 69 off 57 balls with the help of nine fours and a six.