Akash Sumra of Albert TuTi Patriots addressed the media after his team’s six-wicket win over Karaikudi Kaalai at the India Cements Ltd Ground in Sankarnagar on Sunday. Excerpts:
You have registered three consecutive wins…
We are feeling great because we have maintained the momentum. Last year, we won the first game and lost the next three. This year, we have won all the three.
How was the pitch?
The pitch is superb. Last year, too, it was a low-scoring ground. We
just planned to take it till the death overs and we knew we could chase the target. With 16 runs to get off 12 deliveries, we knew we needed a six or two. We got three! That’s what happened.
What did you feel about the 123-run target?
We got a decent start. Yes, we did play a lot of dot balls, but we came back smartly. And we didn’t drift apart. We were always there. Wickets fell at regular intervals, but we kept calm. What’s important is that we finished well.
With 16 runs needed off 12 deliveries, what was going through your mind?
Last year, we lost to Karaikudi Kaalai during a 112-run chase. We needed 17 off the last two overs. We planned to take it down to the last over then. Today, we planned to finish it off in the penultimate over. Our execution was correct.
The middle order was tested today…
Firstly, Washington (Sundar) is playing with superb consistency and secondly, our middle order isn’t fixed. We plan according to the situation.
Washington Sundar is in some form. What do you have to say about him?
Yes, he is doing very well. Our team is like a family. If he doesn’t score, then some other member will step up. Now he is doing well, so it’s easy for us. Kaushik Gandhi is playing well, too. This time, we are better equipped than last year.
Did you let them get away after having them reduced to 25/5?
We had planned that if we get four or five wickets during the powerplay, then we would restrict them to less than 100. Shahjahan played very well in the middle and, in the end, we fought back well. We did not concede any boundaries in the last two overs; otherwise, they would have posted 150.
