Rising Pune Supergiant’s young off-spinner Washington Sundar says he was heartened as he operated in the Powerplay overs and picked up three wickets in his team’s 20-run win over Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier of the Indian Premier League (IPL) here on Tuesday.
Having been given the challenge to bowl in the six Powerplay overs on Tuesday, the 17-year-old Tamil Nadu talent rose to the task and delivered when he ran through the Mumbai top-order as Pune defended their total of 162/4 at the Wankhede Stadium.
Rohit Sharma (1) was adjudged leg before as he went for the sweep shot and missed the ball which hit the pad, while Ambati Rayudu (0) pulled a low ball straight into the hands of Steven Smith at short midwicket. Smith got hold of another catch at the same position to send back Kieran Pollard (7) as Pune had Mumbai on the mat, with the scoreboard reading 51/4 in eight overs.
“I am very happy. To have taken key members of their side on such a big occasion and in front of such a packed crowd, it’s great,” Sundar told his captain Smith in an interview on IPL’s website.
“In a match like first qualifier — a very big game, me being able to get those wickets, is very heartening,” he added.
Asked by Smith on how he approaches bowling inside the first six overs, Sundar said he relished the challenge.
“I think I love this challenge of bowling in the first six overs with only two fielders outside the ring. I have been bowling to my strengths,” he said.
He also thanked Smith for reposing trust in his talent and persisting with him in the 1ast 10 games. “You (Smith) have been very supportive. No team would have given an off-spinner 10 games in the IPL,” he said to Smith.
Now, having reached the final, Sundar has set eyes on lifting the trophy on Sunday in Hyderabad.
“Hopefully I will be able to do the same thing in Hyderabad and help the team lift the trophy,” he said.
