IPL superstar Chris Gayle said he was glad he was involved in Kings XI Punjab’s thrilling and historic success over Mumbai Indians.
KXIP defeat the defending champions after the clash went to two super overs for the first time in IPL history.
Both teams finished their allotted 20 overs on 176-6 before more nail-biting action in the first super over.
Mohammed Shami then managed to defend five runs against Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock to send the clash to a second super over.
A superb piece of fielding on the boundary by Mayank Agarwal saved a six and left Punjab needing 12 runs for success.
They reached their target as Gayle and Agarwal found the boundary in style. It’s a win that also keeps KXIP’s top-four hopes alive in IPL 2020.
Gayle Angry to Need Super Overs
Speaking after the match alongside Agarwal and Shami, West Indian Gayle said: “I wasn't nervous. I was a bit more angry that we had to get in this position. But it's a game of cricket and these things happen.
“Even if we were going out to bat, I was upset with you (Mayank) asking me, ‘Who's going to face the first ball?’ I was like, ‘Mayank, you really asked the question? It, of course, has to be the Boss playing the first ball!’”
Gayle also took time to praise the efforts of Shami in the first super over, adding: “Shami bhai you're the Man of the Match. To defend six runs against Quinny and Rohit, that's fantastic.
“I've faced you in the nets so often, I know you can nail those yorkers. You brought it home for us. Chris Jordan came back with a second super over, did the job for us. Mayank, you saved five runs for us at the boundary.
“We're glad that we are part of the history and we are on the winning side.”
Shami Had Belief After First Ball
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami said he had faith in his yorkers as he set out to defend five runs in that first super over.
He said: “It was difficult. When you get 14-15 runs to defend, you're more confident. But here, the margin of error was very less, so I had to focus on what's my strength. I believe in my yorkers, when I bowled the first ball I believed that I would nail all the six.
“It was a very tight match. The super over also ended in a tie and we won it on the third time. I don't think there could be a better feeling.”