Tim Southee, Trent Boult set the match for Northern Knights: Michael Hussey

Raipur: Knocked out of the Champions League T20 after losing to Northern Knights in the qualifying round, Mumbai Indians' ace batsman Michael Hussey said some tight bowling by pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee had led to his team's downfall.

"The Northern Knights pace attack operated very well. Southee and Boult bowled very well at the start and we could not get going. They had us under pressure and the new guys coming in also found it difficult. Scott Styris reaped the rewards but I think the credit goes to the two pace bowlers for the initial set up," said Hussey at the post match press conference after losing by six wickets last night here at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.

Hussey also admitted that the New Zealand outfit was brilliant on the field.

"It was one of the days where the opposition was right on top of the game and we were just off. They were brilliant in the field and luck was on their side. The Knights are playing with a lot of confidence and they will be a dangerous side in the main tournament," he said.

The Australian batsman said his side prepared well just before the start of the tournament in Bangalore but despite excellent facilities, the Mumbai Indians failed to capitalise.

"We had an excellent preparation in Bangalore. We had excellent facilities, so we have got no excuse on that. Actually we prepared really well. Yes, it is disappointing not to get through (in the championship)."