Lasith Malinga produced an incredible last over to defend nine runs as Mumbai Indians claimed undisputed supremacy in the IPL by securing their fourth title with a narrow one-run win over Chennai Super Kings in a pulsating final here, Sunday.
CSK needed nine runs off the last over but the experienced Lankan paceman Malinga kept his nerve to concede eight. He trapped Shardul Thakur leg before in the last ball after Watson (80 off 59) got run out two balls earlier.
‘Consistency is the key’
An leated MI skipper Rohit Sharma, said, “Throughout the tournament we played some good cricket which was the reason we qualified at the top. We planned to split the tournament into two parts, every thing we did as a team, we got the rewards for them. We have a squad of 25 players, everyone came in at some stage and did the job; the support-staff as well.”
“Our bowling in particular was excellent, at different stages in the game, the bowlers put their hands up and brought us back. Every bowler who got an opportunity put their hand up, took responsibility and that’s why we got the rewards for it. Malinga is a champion, he has been doing it for many years for us. I was thinking of Hardik for the final over, but I wanted to back someone who has been in that situation for us before, and Malinga has been there many times. I am learning in every game, every time I take the field. I have to credit the team as well, it is up to the boys to step up otherwise the captain is made to look foolish. Credit to the boys.”
‘I never panicked’
Bumrah, who was adjudged Man of the Match, said, “Very happy. In the finals we know that it can get close and winning the title with MI is a special feeling. Today, surprisingly, I was very calm, I wasn’t panicking at all and very happy to contribute to the team’s success. I only take one ball and one day at a time and if you think like that you don’t feel pressure at all.”
‘All credits to Malinga’
Mumbai head coach, Mahela Jayawardene, said, “You can’t win the match from the dug out. We had the game in our corner when MS got out. Great decision by Rohit to go back to experienced players. We took a punt and held back Pollard and Pandya. Pollard has had a good record against CSK. I think this why big players come to the party. Rahul Chahar was brilliant and created the pressure through out for us. Malinga held his nerves and did well.”
‘Hardowrk paid off’
Mumbai bowling coach, Shane Bond, said, “It is a culmination of a lot of hard work. We knew 150 was below par, but we knew we had quality in our bowling line-up, Malinga was superb in the last over. I’m going to get some time off, this has been a bit draining, take a couple of months off and then return for the franchise. Everyone has worked hard for it, someone like Jason Behrendorff, he stayed with the team for a couple of months.”