The post-match quotes from RCB following their eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1, securing their place in the final. RCB have qualified for the finals for the fourth time.
by Prashant Kapadia /NHN
RCB Captain, Rajat Patidar:I think we were clear in our plans, especially in terms of how we needed to bowl. The fast bowlers used the surface really well. The way Suyash chipped in, sticking to his lines and lengths, was really impressive. As a captain, I am very clear about his role with the ball. He has to target the stumps – that is his strength. His wrong’un is difficult for batters to read. I always try to give him clear instructions because I do not want to confuse him. I am okay if he concedes a few runs in the process.
The way Phil Salt has been batting throughout the tournament, the way he gives us quick starts – I am a big fan of his. It is a treat to watch him from the dugout. I always want to thank the RCB fans. Wherever we go, it feels like we are playing at our home ground. Please keep supporting us.”
Phil Salt, following his unbeaten half century of 56 not out runs in 27 balls
It is a great feeling right now. The ball did move a bit, but I do not think this was the worst wicket we have played on this season. During the chase, all I was thinking was, ‘Do not get out to Arshdeep.’ We have played two group games against Punjab Kings and he has managed to dismiss me in different ways, so I was just focused on reacting to the ball. Before the game, I told Andy (Flower) that all the travel and breaks between matches might actually be a blessing in disguise for us. This win gives us momentum. It is a bit of a cliché, but it is true. At the back end of the tournament, that is exactly what you want – to find form and contribute with the bat or ball.
Player of the Match, Suyash Sharma with figures of 3/17:
I just tried to execute the plan given by our coach and was feeling really good while bowling today. I felt like no one was able to read my googlies, which gave me a lot of confidence. As a team, we treated it like any other match and didn’t put pressure on ourselves by thinking of it as a semi-final. The coaches have given me one role, which is to attack the stumps.