Fleming: A grand finish to a good competition
Rising Pune Supergiant coach Stephen Fleming was proud of his side despite them falling short by just one run in the Indian Premier League final against the Mumbai Indians on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 130, Pune captain Steve Smith scored 51 but was the crucial wicket in the last over of the match as Mitchell Johnson defended 11 runs to give his victory by the slimmest of margins.
Earlier, Pune restricted their opponents to 129/8 in their 20 overs with a disciplined bowling effort.
REPORT: Mumbai crowned IPL champions after thrilling win
Fleming said after the match: “It was a game of inches and metres. Steve Smith came very close to winning it in the last over and it could have been a much different story. But that was the nature of the game.
“It was very ebb and flow on what was quite a tough wicket to score on. We knew that it was going to be tough. We knew their bowling attack was top class. We fell behind a couple of times.
“We lost wickets at key times. They just hung in and created enough pressure to get across the line but it was just a great final.
“It was full of pressure, full of mistakes and it was full of great performances. It was a grand finish to a good competition.”
Latest
-
News
Allegations of racist abuse among the crowd at Edgbaston being investigated
The Bharat Army has claimed “many” of its members were targeted.
-
News
Edgbaston officials to investigate allegations of racist abuse among crowd
The claims were highlighted by former cricketer Azeem Rafiq.
-
News
Alex Lees: England have ultimate belief they can complete chase against India
India set the winning line at 378, higher than any England side has ever managed, but the hosts need just 119 more with seven wickets in hand.
-
News
Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow leave England daring to dream against India
No England side has ever hunted down more than 359 but they have their eyes set on a record chase of 378 at Edgbaston.
-
England
England make quick inroads into record chase against India
Alex Lees and Zak Crawley put on 107 for the first wicket after the hosts were set 378 to win.
-
England
England face record run chase despite four wickets on fourth morning of fifth Test
India took their lead beyond 360 at Edgbaston in the series decider.
-
England
England ready to chase down any target India set, says Jonny Bairstow
The tourists established a commanding position, despite Bairstow’s knock of 106.
-
England
England still battling to contain India despite Jonny Bairstow century heroics
Bairstow’s 106 contained 14 boundaries and two sixes, but England still gave up a 132-run lead after being bowled out for 284.
-
England
Jonny Bairstow century heroics for England not enough to keep India at bay
Bairstow made 106 in typically rambunctious style, with 14 boundaries and two sixes.
-
News
In-form Jonny Bairstow leads England charge against India in Edgbaston decider
The Yorkshireman raced to 91 not out as England progressed to 200 for six.