Dhoni blames rain for humiliating loss against Australia

Colombo  :  India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni blamed a short rain-break for his team’s humiliating nine-wicket loss against Australia in their first Super Eights match of the World Twenty20 at the Premadasa Stadium here Friday.

“Rain came just at the wrong time. Just after the wicket was rolled. The wet ball is not good for spinners. It was like bowling in England. That was the main reason we lost,” said Dhoni.

“We need to analyse what really happened. We got off to a good start, but lost quick wickets, and we were not in a good situation to cash in. We were 20 short,” he said.

Dhoni, however, said Australia should get the credit for their dominating performance.

“We need to give them credit for the way they batted, but the ball was not stopping as it did in the first innings. And every time it went into the outfield, the ball got wet. No spinner told me the ball is not wet. It’s important to look at what mistakes what we have committed, but it is also important to get it out of the system. we will try to do that, but it will still be there, in some corner of our heart,” he said.

Australian captain George Bailey lauded his team for the impressive performance.

“It was impressive performance. We set up India by some good bowling. Patty (Pat Cummins) was outstanding, the best we have seen him bowl in this tournament so far. We were probably behind the eight ball after six overs but we came back very well,” he said.

Bailey had words of praise for his openers Shane Watson (72) and David Warner (63 not out), who stitched a massive 133-run opening stand.

“It was an absolute beauty by those two openers. When they are on, there are no better hitters. We have to be up and ready for South Africa,” he said.

Watson, man of the match, said he enjoys being an all-rounder.

“The last couple of games have been pretty good. It is nice when things come together like this. Probably batting is a bit more enjoyable, when it is two of you against 11 of the opposition. That’s probably more satisfying, but enjoying being an all-rounder,” he said.