END OF OVER:14 | 1 Run 2 Wkts | LAKR: 112/10 (70 runs required from 36 balls, RR: 8.00, RRR: 11.66)
- Ali Khan1 (2b)
- Mohammad Mohsin3-0-8-4
- Dwayne Bravo2-0-10-1
11:02pm Right. That will be a wrap from us for today. The action comes thick and fast in the MLC, though, with MI New York beginning their campaign against the San Francisco Unicorns tomorrow. Do join us for that game too but until next time, this is me (Shashwat) signing off on behalf of Binoy George and everyone else at ESPNcricinfo. Goodbye and take care!
Faf du Plessis, Texas Super Kings captain: Really pleased with the team's performance. Nice to see some of the local boys perform. I always say that overseas players can win you a game but you need your local boys to win a tournament. The boys took a few big wickets and those two in the first over set the tone. (On Coetzee) He looks a really exciting talent. One of those prospects who will hopefully play all three formats for South Africa. Good, aggressive South African fast bowler. Does not matter where you play in the world, the Super Kings family always comes out in great numbers. Pleasing for me tonight to see a full house in America, full of yellow, so thank you.
Sunil Narine, Los Angeles Knight Riders captain: If you lose more than three wickets in the powerplay, you are on the back foot. It was tough. But in this format, you never know. If we had gotten a partnership anything could have happened. Not to be today. We gave away 15-20 runs extra, not to fault anyone, though. (On Russell) He has been doing it for so many years. Good sign that he is in good form. Hopefully he can continue that way for the rest of the season.
David Miller, Player of the Match: (Lead-up to the tournament) Good to get off to a good start. A win there for the team is great. A month off since the IPL and just been practicing the past couple of days. Great being in Texas. The mental side of the game is definitely a bit of rest. I am 34 now, so just trying to maintain the body and keep that going. (On his haircut) Went with a streamlined look to give me more speed on the ground (smiles). (On the opening day) It is fantastic, the opening game, great to see such a turn-out. Appreciate the support. The facilities are fantastic.
Jay: "The MLC has started with a bang. Well played TSK!"
Rusty Theron: (On his performance) I am actually a little bit emotional, to be honest. This is such a grand event, and I want to thank everybody involved to get me back on the park. (On how he managed to get in shape for the MLC) At the end of the day, it is you versus me and I do not want to lose (smiles). Unbelievable atmosphere (tonight) and I want to thank each and every individual who has come out here today. (On what this win does for the confidence) It is not always about how you start but good to start on a good note. We have so much more to come.
10:44pm Well, that turned into a very one-sided contest. The Knight Riders never really got going in their run-chase, losing four wickets inside the first four overs. Malhotra and Russell managed to counter-punch but once the former perished in the final over of the powerplay, the Knight Riders were staring down the abyss. Russell and Narine tried to keep them afloat but in the end, TSK were just too good with the ball and did not let their early advantage slip.
Speaking of TSK, almost all of their bowlers contributed nicely. Savage and Theron set the tone inside the powerplay, which Coetzee followed up on. Bravo then nipped out Russell and Mohsin, with his bag of tricks and variations, was just too hot to handle for the Knight Riders. TSK would also be pleased with how their bowlers reacted to Russell's onslaught. The all-rounder did find the fence frequently but it never looked like the TSK bowlers would let the game drift away.
LH Ferguson b Mohammad Mohsin 1 (4b 0x4 0x6) SR: 25.00
Ali Khan is the last batter in. Slip in place
A Zampa b Mohammad Mohsin 3 (4b 0x4 0x6) SR: 75.00
Mohsin to continue
END OF OVER:13 | 7 Runs 1 Wkt | LAKR: 111/8 (71 runs required from 42 balls, RR: 8.53, RRR: 10.14)
- Adam Zampa3 (3b)
- Lockie Ferguson1 (1b)
- Dwayne Bravo2-0-10-1
- Mohammad Mohsin2-0-7-2
Ferguson in at 10
AD Russell c †Conway b Bravo 55 (34b 7x4 3x6) SR: 161.76
END OF OVER:12 | 1 Run 2 Wkts | LAKR: 104/7 (78 runs required from 48 balls, RR: 8.66, RRR: 9.75)
- Andre Russell51 (31b)
- Adam Zampa1 (1b)
- Mohammad Mohsin2-0-7-2
- Mitchell Santner3-0-28-0