Defending champions Mumbai Indians did not start their Champions League qualifying campaign as they wanted and now under pressure to win both remaining ties against Southern Express and Northern Knights, after facing a crushing six-wicket against Lahore Lions.
The big West Indian Kieron Pollard, who is captaining the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, not only failed to inspire his team against the Pakistan national T20 champions but also failed with the bat, just like other batsmen.
Mumbai are set to face Southern Express in the second rubber today and are in a must win situation. A slump here will virtually end their hopes of defending their title in group rounds, starting September 17.
“We have to now win both our next two matches,” Pollard said. “For us, it is going to be like finals in the next two games. Pressure is on us now, we have never won Champions League T20 easy. It is important that we bring our A-game.”
Lahore Lions were never under pressure during the chase as there was not enough total on the board to defend. They clinched the victory, with eight balls to spare, despite losing three quick at the end.
“We can’t fault the bowlers, but with a wet ball, we should have made more runs,” the skipper said. “Ojha bowled well, Bhajji bowled well. We weren’t able to get early wickets, but we pulled it back in the middle though we lost in the end.”
