Solid start gave us the win: Rahul Sharma

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Rahul-Sharma-PWI-vs-RR-IPL-2013

The Pune Warriors India are back, and how. Thanks to a clinical performance, the Angelo Mathews-led side made easy work of the Rajasthan Royals at the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium. While their openers ensured that the 145-run target didn’t get out of their reach at any point, it was their bowlers who laid the foundation for their first win in 12 tries. 

“Yes, it feels really great when you win a match. We have a good side and it takes a while to gel, since we have a new captain, and a lot has changed for us this year – Angelo is the captain, Yuvi Paaji is back and Ross Taylor’s in the side,” said Rahul Sharma as he relived a game that saw his team do well in all departments.

Sharma, who clocked very unT20-like numbers of 4-0-16-2, was the pick of the PWI bowlers. The leggie was used in three different short spells by his skipper – all of which stifled RR’s scoring rate. Sharma attributed this improved showing with the ball to a conscientious effort on part of the entire team to raise the energy levels on the field.

“We had spoken (before the game) that we are going to keep the energy high. And that was a plus point today, as all performances were more energetic. Everyone did well with the ball, bat and on the field as a result,” Sharma said. “Personally, I have been working really hard this year to ensure I do well this IPL for my team. And as and when I get to bowl, I will try to do well.”

However, Sharma also pointed out that PWI have been bowling well in this year’s competition, and that the team rising up as a strong batting unit was the key behind clocking a win.

“We are hoping to bowl well as a team between the 16th and 20th overs, since that is important. However, we bowled well in all three matches, but our batting had not clicked until today. So, if we do well in that area, it will be good,” Sharma said. 

However, Sharma praised the efforts of Aaron Finch and Robin Uthappa, whose batting exploits rendered the Royals bowlers helpless in what turned out to be a tough away game for them.

“Finch, who was playing for the first time (in IPL 2013) today, gave us a great start. If we keep getting such starts it will be great for us. Plus, Robin Uthappa is always a mainstay of our side. These are the starts we need to click.

“Our dressing room atmosphere was always good. But it was always about us gelling together as a team. We just wanted to start winning, since that was the key for us to gel,” added Sharma. 

source: iplt20.com

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