Reflecting on Mumbai Indians' (MI) five-wicket win over Delhi Capitals (DC), all-rounder Krunal Pandya said picking wickets in the powerplay and not conceding too many runs at the death overs proved crucial.
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The defending champions produced a brilliant performance with the ball to restrict the rampaging DC to 162/4 in 20 overs.
Krunal was the stand-out bowler for MI, claiming 2 wickets by giving away 26 runs in his four overs. Jasprit Bumrah (0-26) was also economical with the ball and bowled brilliantly in the slog overs.
"We bowled really well as a unit, especially in the powerplay, we got the early breakthrough," Krunal said at the post-match press conference.
"In the T20 format, whenever you get the early breakthrough, the pressure is more on the opposition, we did not concede too many runs in the death overs, in between, Chahar also really bowled well, it was a good team effort.
"It is a blessing, we have three bowlers who can bowl at 140 consistently, for any team to have three bowlers who can bowl quick and swing the ball is really good."
Commenting on his own performance, Krunal said: "I am happy with the way I bowled against Delhi Capitals, my strength has been varying the pace, I was able to execute the plans overall. Obviously, you have to see the strength of the batsman and the situation."
In reply, Quinton de Kock and Suryakumar Yadav played knocks of 53-run each in 36 and 32 deliveries respectively as MI overhauled the target with two balls to spare.
"When you have 180 you know you have to go hard and when you are chasing 140 odd, then you can take your time. In-between totals are really tricky, we got a good start, the way Surya and Quinny batted, they never allowed the opposition bowlers to settle," Krunal said.
By virtue of this victory, Mumbai Indians also claimed the top spot on the points table, with 5 wins from 7 outings. They will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their next clash on October 16.
(With PTI inputs)
