Mumbai Indians batsman Michael Hussey on Monday said he believes that his team is still in contention for a place in the play-offs stage following their easy victory over Rajasthan Royals, in the Indian Premier League, in Ahmedabad, on Monday.
"We are not yet out of the play-offs," Hussey said after the match.
- PHOTOS: Rajasthan juggernaut hits Mumbai roadblock
Defending champions Mumbai Indians registered their fourth victory to move to sixth place in the IPL standings with eight points from 11 games. They will need to finish among the top four teams to qualify for the play-offs.
On the other hand, Rajasthan are much better placed, on third place, with seven wins from 12 matches.
"We still have faith [to qualify for the play-offs] and that's the atmosphere in our dressing room. We still have three matches left. However, instead of thinking about the play-offs, we will just try to focus on our next match and give our best to win it," he said.
The 38-year-old Australian said the pitch at Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, where Mumbai scored a competitive 178 for three riding on half-centuries from Lendl Simons (62) and Hussey (56), was not easy for batting.
"It was quite hot and the pitch was not easy for batsmen. It was a slow pitch. Me and Lendl [Simmons] tried to take our partnership ahead. After six overs, I thought we will make around 160 runs. But, thanks to some good batting, we gave a good total to defend," said Hussey, who credited Mumbai bowlers for the comfortable win.
"It's hard to replace [Lasith] Malinga but [Krishmar] Santokie did a very good job today...he is a smart bowler. [Jasprit] Bumrah was also impressive. He is a great prospect for his country."
Rajasthan Royals kept losing wickets at regular intervals and finished on 153 for eight to lose by 25 runs. Karun Nair was the only batsman to make some notable contribution as he stroked a quickfire 48 from 24 balls.
Image: Michael Hussey
Photograph: BCCI
