Monday, July 23, 2012

Bowling at death concern for India - Virat Kohli



India’s top-order batsman Virat Kohli admitted that death overs bowling still remains a concern for his side, especially in the subcontinent conditions.
While speaking to media persons at the post-match press conference, after 21-run win over Sri Lanka at Hambantota, on Saturday, the Indian vice captain asked the bowlers not to concede too many runs in the death overs by hitting the right areas.
“We’re playing a lot of cricket in the subcontinent in the coming season and it is very important to hit the right areas at the death because that's where the game can turn around,” said the 23-year-old right handed batsman, after the Indian bowlers conceded almost 100 runs in the last 11 overs of their tensed 21-run win over the Islanders.
“Even eight or nine runs an over can be chased in the last 10 overs...hopefully we can practice that more in the nets and execute our plans perfectly in the games ahead,” he added further.
While defending a massive total of 314 runs, courtesy Virat Kohli (106), the Zaheer Khan led Indian attack kept the Sri Lankan batsmen well under check till the 39th over, leaving the hosts needing 118 runs from final 11 overs,  before centurion Kumar Sangakkara and all-rounder Thisara Perera – coming in at No. 8 – knocked off quick runs, to give the hosts a glimmer of hope.
Though the Islanders eventually fell short of 21 runs, the visiting attack leaked 90 runs in the last 10 overs, while claiming only three wickets. Perera struck three fours and a six in his 28-ball 44, while tail ender Lasith Malinga plundered a boundary and two sixes.
Kohli was, however, happy that the bowlers did not panic in the tense situation and turned the game in India’s favour in the end.
“They are world-class players so you can't expect to win by 80-90 runs,” said the Delhi dasher. “A phase of seven-eight overs comes in between when you concede more runs but it is important that you don't panic, remain calm,” he insisted.
The second one-dayer gets underway at Hambantota on Tuesday.

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