Dubai: Mumbai Indians will defend their Indian Premier League title in the final after thrashing Delhi Capitals by 57 runs on Thursday. Mumbai was made to bat first and put up a formidable 200-5. In reply, Delhi were cut down to 0-3 eight balls into their chase, and 20-4. The Capitals eventually finished on 143-8.
"Delhi are a very good side, they've done really well through the tournament so we definitely didn't expect it was going to be like that. But you've got to give credit to our guys, the way they turned up today at the game, putting runs on the board and getting those early breakthroughs was so important. We know in the big games, runs on the board is always critical, no matter what the conditions are," Rohit said.
"You put runs on the board, there's always an additional pressure on the opposition to go and get that score. And also, of course, our bowling unit have been terrific through the tournament. They've put pressure on the opposition right from the beginning. It was good to see the performance of the team and the way we played today was absolutely perfect," the captain added.
Mumbai, the most successful team in IPL history, will play for a record-extending fifth title on Tuesday.
"Surya has been in terrific form. We understand the importance of him batting at number three. He's a very crucial player for us at number three. Having lost a wicket in the second over we were slightly put back in the game, but the way Quinton and Surya created that partnership, with that momentum as well which was very important, we got I think around 60 in the first six overs which was a good sign. And Surya is someone who is very positive and clear in his thought processes as to how he wants to bat," he said.
Meanwhile, Delhi will get another shot at reaching their first final. They will meet the winner between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad, who play on Friday.
