Few things can make a player happier than to claim the Man of the Match award for his all-round performance, that too when making his debut for the team.
On Thursday evening the honour belonged to Thisara Perera, who finished with figures of two for 17 and then returned to score 35 off 20 balls to get the Kings XI Punjab off to a winning start in the Oppo CLT20 2014.
The allrounder, who coach Sanjay Bangar had described as a dangerous player in the pre-match press conference, showed why in the team’s opening fixture in Mohali. Speaking to clt20.com after the game, a beaming Perera said, “I am really happy with my all-round performance. As an allrounder, everyone expects from me a performance like this. I think I have done pretty well in this match.”
While discussing his bowling he also credited the team’s fielding for the outcome, especially Glenn Maxwell, who had taken an exceptional catch to send back Ben Dunk.
Excerpts from the interview:
It seemed that your overs were spaced out by George Bailey strategically. What was the plan?
You will have to ask Bailey about that. He is a good captain and he has good plans on how to rotate our bowlers.
What was your plan?
As a bowler I look to bowl a lot of dot balls which will frustrate the batsmen and wickets will follow. If I can get wickets, that is a bonus for us.
I have to thank my teammates for their good fielding. Maxi (Glenn Maxwell) took a brilliant catch that I think is the most important thing in the match.
Had you planned for the wickets of Ben Dunk and Aiden Blizzard?
No, we hadn’t made any specific plans. We bowled our normal line and length and I think that helped us. As a bowling unit we had done pretty well. To restrict a team to under 150 is good as that is easy to chase on this wicket.
Was there a bit of pressure when you lost wickets early and both Virender Sehwag and David Miller were dismissed for nought?
Yes, after Miller and then after Maxi also got out, there was a bit of pressure. But that is part of the game. After that (after the early wickets), myself and Bailey made the runs.
What can you tell us about your knock?
That is my natural game. I am always looking for runs (score quickly). That is why I am successful.
How much did you enjoy playing here in Mohali?
This was my first match for the Kings XI Punjab team. l had missed playing in the IPL. Now I am happy that I became the Man of the Match in my first match for the side.
