Long way to go: Sourav Ganguly

Mumbai : Pune Warriors captain Sourav Ganguly Friday commended his bowlers for an impressive 28-run win over Mumbai Indians but stayed grounded, saying it was good to start with a win but there was still a long way to go season five of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“The pitch was dry. I thought it would turn and Steven Smith batted well. Our bowlers did an excellent job. Good to start with a win, but it is a long tournament, 15 more matches to go,” Ganguly said.

Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Singh lamented his side’s poor batting effort and praised Pune’s bowlers Ashok Dinda, who took four wickets, and Murali Kartik.

“The score was gettable but we did not bat well. We did not rotate the strike in the middle of the innings, we did not get a good start, all credit to Dinda and Kartik. Pune were the better side,” he said.

Man of the match Steven Smith of Australia hoped that the team would carry forward the momentum into the next match and praised his team mates for restricting Mumbai.

“Tough start, we lost a few early wickets, Robin (Uthappa) and I decided to stay on and try and get to 140. Good job by the bowlers to defend the low score. Good way to start the tournament and we hope to carry on the momentum and it was great to play in Mumbai for the first time,” said Smith.

Pune Warriors next play Kings XI Punjab at home Sunday while Mumbai Indians host Rahul Dravid led Rajasthan Royals Wednesday.