Colombo, Sep 30 (IANS) India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni lauded Virat Kohli for leading the team to a eight-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan in a crucial Super Eights match of the World Tweny20 at the Premedasa Stadium here Sunday.
Kohli struck 78 off 61 balls as India achieved the target of 129 losing two wickets and 18 balls to spare. The win helped India maintain an all-win record over their neighbours in a World Cup.
Dhoni said the team was relaxed ahead of the high-voltage clash.
“The players looked relaxed, we knew there was something in store. It’s good that Kohli is taking the responsibility, Viru batted well, though we lost Gambhir early. I always felt that if you are desperate for a win you put more pressure on yourself. We didn’t think too far ahead of ourselves. Thanks to the crowd for showing up,” he said.
Man of the Match Kohli said the idea was to stay calm.
“The key is to stay as calm as possible. In the last game I thought a bit too much. The idea it to play 10-15 overs and the team benefits from it. It’s a slow wicket but better under lights. God has been kind,” he said.
Pakistan captain Mohammed Hafeez said lack of partnerships did the team in.
“We just didn’t get the partnerships. It was a difficult pitch to bat on but Kohli was excellent. We were hoping to get him out and put pressure on the rest but we couldn’t do that. We need to improve our fielding. We still have a chance,” he said.
