Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir was ecstatic as the defending champions made a winning start to their title defence, beating Delhi Daredevils by six wickets convincingly in the Indian Premier League (IPL) opener here Wednesday.
Gambhir lauded his bowlers for restricting the visitors to 128.
"Restricting the opposition to 128 was a fantastic effort. We are a very good fielding side as well. I still feel Balaji did a very good job, so did Binga (Brett Lee)," said Gambhir.
"Overall everyone did a very good job. 150 was a good total, but we wanted to be positive when we started the chase. Points on the table is always very satisfying," he added.
Knight Riders`s mystery spinner Sunil Narine, who bagged four for 13, was the key in bowling put Daredevils for a paltry total. Narine was also adjudged as Man of the Match.
Narine said the track as the Den was offering more spin that last year.
"It assists the spinners a lot, everyone played their part. Lit more turn and bounce than last year," he said.
Daredevils skipper Mahela Jaywardene said losing wickets at regular intervals hampered the team`s chances.
"When we started batting, we realised it was a very slow wicket. We knew 145 would be a very good total, but we kept losing wickets, and Sunil bowled very well too. Quite happy with the way the boys played, it is a different combination for Delhi this season, it will take a while to get going," he said.
IANS
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