Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody was disappointed with his side for failing to click on the day when it mattered most. With a play-offs berth at stake, Hyderabad had to beat Mumbai to qualify, but it was not to be, as the latter registered a comprehensive win in Hyderabad on Sunday.
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"The stars are not aligned in our favour. The clouds are (referring to the rain-hit match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 15) in Hyderabad," Moody said.
"It's a disappointing way to finish our campaign. Whether you lose by one run or 100 runs, it's a bitter way to finish the tournament. We, unfortunately, did not turn up as a batting group. The wicket was a good batting wicket. We could have got to 160 mark, but losing as many wickets as we did early on puts enormous pressure on the middle order," Hyderabad coach Tom Moody said.
Looking back at the team's campaign, Moody rued the defeat against Royal Challenge Bangalore in a rain-curtailed match on May 15.
Moody said despite the early exit, the team gained many positives from the tournament, including the good form of openers David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan and the all-round show of Moises Henriques.
"We did not have the momentum (on Sunday) that we had in the previous games. It was one of those days that we just did not click," he said.
Meanwhile, buoyed by the big victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians' star bowler Mitchell McClenaghan said his side is fully prepared for the IPL play-off match against heavyweights Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday.
"We have got some fantastic players and support staff behind us. I think the most important thing is that we prepare every time we go out to play. As long as we prepare well and turn up, we will be able to win," he told reporters after Mumbai Indians thrashed the Hyderabad side by nine wickets.
Talking of their win on Sunday, McClenaghan said it was important for the team to get the top order out soon, and that provided an early advantage in the match. Dismissing openers -- captain David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan -- in the first two overs of the innings gave Hyderabad no chance of a comeback.
"I was bowling to the big boundary. David (Warner) is a great puller of the ball, great striker of the ball. I took a chance. It could have gone for a six. It could have taken a wicket. It's just one of those things. In matches, you need to take a chance," he said.
McClenaghan expressed happiness at getting the opportunity to play a key role for the Mumbai Indians.
"What I really enjoyed is the opportunity to show Mumbai what I do back home and in domestic cricket. When I got the chance, I showed my variation and capabilities at different deliveries and different times of the innings," he said.
He lauded Hardik Pandya, who has been a promising young player for Mumbai this season, as one of the best with an attitude to play well even in tough situations.
