Indian Premier League: It was Tough to Defend 150 vs Delhi, says Chennai Super Kings' Ashish Nehra

Chennai Super Kings pacer Ashish Nehra said defending a 150-run score against Delhi Daredevils was a tough ask but he is glad to have played a crucial role in his team's one-run triumph in an IPL match here.

"It is always good to finish on the winning note, especially the first game though we won by one run. We were always in the game especially picking wickets. We knew we have to defend 150 and we have to bowl well upfront. That is what exactly happened to us today," Nehra, who picked up three wickets, said in the post-match presentation. ('Nehra ji on Fire', Tweets Virender Sehwag)

"In this format, these two points does make a difference. It is quite satisfying that we finished the first game on a winning note," he added. (IPL 2015: Is spot-fixing back to haunt the tournament?)

Conceding that CSK were about 20 runs short, Nehra said, "...the way we were going we were looking to score at 170 or 175. But in this format anything can happen any time. We lost two quick wickets and they bowled very well in tandem in between especially from 13th to 17th over." (Complete IPL 2015 coverage | Stats | Fixtures)

On his own effort, Nehra said he was very satisfied with his performance.

"Definitely, I am satisfied. This was my first game after four months. I did not play the Ranji Trophy season but I was quite confident having bowled well in the nets. Bowling well in the first game and to end on a winning note gives you confidence for the future games," he said.

"It is always difficult to pick three four wickets upfront. As a bowler, it is your job is to defend even if your team puts up 120 or 125."