Gilchrist looking forward to tough away trip

New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) Kings XI skipper Adam Gilchrist was happy with his team’s five-wicket win against Daredevils here Tuesday at the half-way stage in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and hoped the side will find some luck as it embarks on a trip of three big games.

Kings XI face Knight Riders April 26, Mumbai Indians April 29 and Super Kings May 2.

“We have reached the half-way stage, but we are not looking at the points table. We will embark on a road trip of three important matches and hope to string the wins together,” said Gilchrist.

The veteran Australian was happy that the promising youngsters in the team were finally delivering.

“It was terrific to get another win. We are getting closed where we want to be. Happy that Mandeep has showed promise and still has a long way to go. David Miller and David Hussey also did well,” he said.

Gilchrist, however, was disappointed with his form but said he would take it as long as his team wins.

“I am disappointed with my form. But I will take it as long as the team wins. Today our guys bowled well and batted well in patches. We tried to boost the run-rate which cost us few wickets. The wicket yesterday looked like it had more moisture but today it had dried out. Hussey did not turn it much but he bowled really well. If you can hang on to tough catches like Awana, it can change the game. Harmeet Singh used the seam-up bowling very well,” he said.

Harmeet, who was Man of the Match for his three for 24, said there was little pressure on his as he was playing the first match of the season.

“There was little pressure as it was my first game of the season and bowling to Viru bhai on his home ground. I was trying to bowl stump to stump. Two wins in a row is a good boost to our team. It was important to read the wicket quickly and vary the pace,” he said.

Daredevils skipper Mahela Jayawardene blamed his batsmen for the defeat.

“We have to be honest to ourselves, it was 140-15 par score, we had to put runs on the board for the bowlers to put pressure. We have to balance the team with bit of batting and bowling. We are getting starts but not getting what we need. We have to believe in ourselves, we have another eight games, we need to have a good run, we have to keep fighting,” he said.

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