Chennai Will meet Rajasthan Royals in tomorrow’s final in Mumbai.
It was one-sided semi-final but again it’s been down to a team effort. A highly disciplined bowling attack did the job before Parthiv and Raina finished it off. Chennai have now beaten Punjab in all three matches between the two sides and will need to gear up for Rajasthan tomorrow.
No hugs for the Punjab side from Priety today. It’s been a disappointing effort but they can hold their heads high for the consistency they’ve shown through the league phases. They’ve been one of the most balanced sides in the tournament and strung together some fine wins. On the big day, though, it wasn’t to be.
Yuvraj Singh being booed again. This is really not in good taste from the Mumbai crowd. “We had to play well in the first 5 to 7 overs,” he says. “I think it was a good wicket to bat on. We didn’t bat well and didn’t do well under pressure. We’ve had a great tournament, very proud of the boys, especially Shaun Marsh. It’s been a learning experience as a captain. We’ve been the best team in the tournament except against Chennai.”
Dhoni gets the cheers. Mr Popularity. “The bowlers were upto the mark, bowled really well,” he says. “Overall the intensity was good and the batting again got the start we needed. It was a good team effort. Fielding has improved as the tournament as gone on. If I say I don’t feel pressure, I would be lying. If you walk upto a bowler and act is if you’re worried it gets to him. So I act as if I’m not. Around 150 people came from Chennai and we got some good support from the Mumbai crowd too.”
Man-of-the-Match Makhaya Ntini: “So far it’s been a great challenge. I think everyone in Chennai has appreciated that. I have always smiled and don’t show any pressure, make the ball talk. We knew that this wicket is going to be up and down so we needed to hit it as hard as we can. I cannot wait for tomorrow.”
