Mumbai, Feb 22: Baroda lost their first match of the Inter State One-day league after Mumbai chased down the 183-run target set by them at the Wankhede Stadium. In the post-match media interaction, coach Sanath Kumar rued the failure of the batting line-up and the absence of quick bowler Munaf Patel.
Excerpts:
On defending 183 runs
Too less. The top-order batsmen should have batted well. 230 would probably have been a very decent score, a fighting total. Our bowlers and fielders did well. They really fought well with this score.
On whether it would be fair to say it was a bowlers’ match
More than anything, I thought the advantage was with the team that won the toss, which is not fair in a 50-over match or any limited-overs game.
On the reasons for the team falling behind
Our top-order batsmen had to play 50 overs. In any limited-overs [game], if the team has to get a good score, then the top-order batsmen have to click and at least one of them should be there till the 50th over. Only then will you get something like 275-300 runs.
On the two new-balls rule
It’s probably a little time-consuming for the team because most of the teams will go with an extra fast bowler. Finishing the overs could be tough. The rule is maybe slightly tough on the spinners. Normally we go with two left-arm spinners; here we had only one because of two new balls.
On the opposition player who turned the match
Sushant [Marathe] batted well. However, if we had taken two quick wickets, maybe they would have been under pressure. They didn’t lose a wicket and once they came closer [to the target] it was only a matter of time. His knock was crucial.
On whether they felt Munaf Patel’s absence, especially with two new balls at each end
Yes. He would have made a huge difference on this wicket because of the areas he bowls and the consistency he has. Even in the net sessions, each and every ball was travelling.
On Yusuf Pathan
He is an asset to any team. He makes a huge difference not only to us but he also puts a lot of pressure on the opponents. Even he needs a little time. He’s just got himself in, maybe from the next game he’ll do better. He is playing after six months so it’s been a long time.
