Mumbai, May 20 (IANS): Mumbai Indians all-rounder Kieron Pollard praised his team’s all-round effort for their 25-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Qualifier 1 at the Wankhede Stadium here. With the win, Mumbai entered the final to be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 24.
Mumbai opener Lendl Simmons rose to the occasion as he scored 65 off 51 balls which was followed by Man-of-the-Match Pollard's 17-ball 41, helping the home side post a challenging 187/6. In reply, CSK lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 162 in 19 overs on Tuesday.
“It was a complete team effort. We wanted to start well. Harbhajan Singh didn’t start off well with the ball but that over which got Suresh Raina and Mahendra Singh Dhoni out really changed the game for us. Getting two wickets was absolutely massive,” Pollard said.
“Raina and Dhoni can change the game in a couple of balls. Vinay Kumar, Lasith Malinga bowled well. Mitchell McClenaghan got a vital wicket in the end. The openers had at first set the foundation for us. They have been doing that for us in last couple of games.”
The West Indian himself has been quite consistent with the bat this season, scoring 383 runs from 15 games.
“It’s just about being consistent for me. You know lot of people say lot of things. I am one who looks for motivation. A lot of people said before this tournament that Pollard is this, Pollard is that, Pollard is done. For mem, it is about proving them wrong,” said the 28-year-old.
“I know what I can do. I have been consistent for the team. When you play cricket with a clean mind and clean heart, things follow you. I am just staying quiet and doing my bit.”
The Rohit Sharma-led side had won this tournament at the Eden Gardens in 2013 and they travel back to the same venue to play the final two years down the line.
“Yes there are good memories. We had won the tournament in 2013. Two years on it is totally different, different team but obviously yes we can live those memories again in 2015,” he said.
“But there is still a process to go in order to get to the trophy. We still have to play a good game of cricket, practice well, prepare well. Hopefully, we do those things and see the outcome at the end of the final.”