RCB lost the game in the Powerplay as they didn't bowl well: Hardik Pandya

Tags: Indian T20 Cricket 2019, Mumbai XI vs Bangalore XI, 31st Match at Mumbai, Apr 15, 2019, Bangalore XI, Mumbai XI

Published on: Apr 16, 2019

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Mumbai Indians overcame an inspired effort by Royal Challengers Bangalore to clinch the match at home by five wickets. Bangalore posted a challenging 171 for 7 but Hardik Pandya's 37 not out saw Mumbai overhaul the target after Lasith Malinga claimed four wickets for the hosts.

Praising Malinga, Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma said his performance matters a lot for the team. "We missed him for a few games. His form is very critical for Mumbai. Trust me, with all that he has done over the years, bowling at the death at the Wankhede is very difficult. Credit goes to the bowlers in general for restricting a good RCB batting line-up to 170 odd."

On Pandya, whose cameo lifted Mumbai to victory, Rohit said that he wanted to prove a point with both bat and ball. "His hitting has been helping the team and him as well to move forward. This is something he wanted to do because he didn't have a lot of time before coming to the IPL," Rohit explained.

On Pandya, whose cameo lifted Mumbai to victory, Rohit said that he wanted to prove a point with both bat and ball. "His hitting has been helping the team and him as well to move forward. This is something he wanted to do because he didn't have a lot of time before coming to the IPL," Rohit explained.

Hardik, who smashed Pawan Negi for 22 runs in the 19th over to seal the game, was himself all praise for the openers for the manner in which they set off in the chase. "Hats off to both the openers. It was not easy to bat on this wicket but they made it easy for us in the end. I felt RCB didn't bowl well in the Powerplay and that's where I thought they lost the game," he said.

"We began well and had the bowlers who hit the deck hard and got some purchase off the wicket. The way the wicket started playing, even AB found it difficult but they both (AB de Villiers and Moeen Ali) played well.

-- By A Cricket Correspondent

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