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Daredevils 'not far off' from first win, says Pietersen
Delhi Daredevils skipper Kevin Pietersen put up a brave front after his team's third defeat in the ongoing Indian Premier League, stating they are "not far off" from their first victory, although he complained about lethargy in the first six overs.
"I guess the guys were a little bit lethargic in the first six overs, but were brilliant from overs six to 20. But the first six overs were important, as one needs to get the momentum. I think Finchy (Aaron Finch) played a fantastic knock," Pietersen, who played his first game in this seventh season of the tournament, said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
The former England batsman feels his team will soon win a few games and get their campaign back on track.
"It was a great game and we played a lot better. We are not very far off. If we get out of the line once, we would be back," Pietersen said.
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'Quinie and Vijay batted fantastically'
The skipper praised openers Quinton de Kock and Murali Vijay, who added 99 runs for the opening stand.
"Quinie (de Kock) and Vijay batted fantastically."
Pietersen also said that his fractured little finger has healed completely.
"It's as good as gold. That was proved in my dismissal (referring to the distance he hit the ball). It was nice to play in front of a big crowd.”
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'Great feeling to win the first match of the tournament'
Winning captain Shikhar Dhawan agreed that since the top three batsmen, Finch, David Warner and himself got runs, it was easier.
"Great feeling to win the first match of the tournament. It would certainly boost our confidence. Today was a day when the top three clicked. Aaron and Warner had a great partnership which set it up," Dhawan said.
Dhawan also lauded coach Tom Moody for his efforts in the backroom helping them in team strategies.
"He is doing a wonderful job. He gives beautiful lectures and motivates the team."
On a lighter note, Dhawan was asked who will win the 'moustache competition' between him and Ravindra Jadeja. With a grin, he replied: "Any day, it will be me!"
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'The key is to remain positive'
Man of the match Aaron Finch was happy that they the team is picking up the pieces after a slow start.
"It was nice to win the first match after a slow start to the tournament. The key is to remain positive as a winning streak could take you long," Finch, who smashed his way to an unbeaten 53-ball-88, said.
The Aussie opener conceded that it was a tough strip to bat on.
"I think so (on whether the wicket was tough to bat on). It could have been hard for the new batters so you need to bat as long as possible. It's T20, you can't win them all. As long as we can win them when it counts, we're happy," Finch said.