IPL 2019 | Feels good to be in top four, says Rohit Sharma

Thursday’s encounter between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad was expected to be a mouth-watering contest with the playoffs berth on the line. It turned out in that manner as well as it was expected with MI edging out SRH in a super over thriller at the Wankhede. The Mumbai-based franchise are now placed second on the points table due to a superior net run rate over Delhi Capitals and are guaranteed a place in the playoffs. Resultantly, skipper Rohit Sharma was delighted with his team’s run.

“Feels good knowing that we are amongst the top four now. Not easy to come through the ranks and we have played some consistent cricket throughout and we have the results for it,” he said at the post-match pressentation ceremony, reported Cricbuzz.

MI won the toss and had, quite unexpectedly, elected to bat. Opener Quinton de Kock carried his bat as he played a sluggish knock of 69 in 58 deliveries but wickets kept on tumbling at the other end. The likes of Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya failed to get going and given the nature of the pitch at the Wankhede Stadium, MI’s 162 was bound to be under par despite the wicket being slower than usual. The skipper admitted the fact that the score was not as per their expectations.

“We wanted to put runs on the board, the pitch played good for all 40 overs and runs on the board is crucial and I knew that we didn't get the score we wanted but we knew if we get early wickets we can put the pressure on their middle order,” expressed the 32-year-old.

“Manish batted really well and he played some excellent shots but I think the game changing moment was the eight overs of spin. They bowled very well and contained the batsmen which was very important at that stage.” 

The three-time champions were chasing only nine runs in the Super Over and that was the courtesy of Bumrah. While bowling in the Super Over, the MI pacer gave eight runs in three balls before knocking off Mohammad Nabi’s stumps with a fiery yorker. SRH’s innings was over as they had already lost Manish Pandey in the first ball due to a run-out. The pacer returned with figures of 2/31 and to that his Super Over exploits, the skipper was ecstatic with his efforts.

“He's been brilliant for us and he keeps improving every game and he is hungry for success. He wants to be out there and express himself and he understands that he is a lead bowler for us. He held the nerve in the crucial overs and in the Super Over as well,” Rohit signed off.