Australian captain Steve Smith described the Dubai pitch and playing conditions as challenging after his team’s semi-final defeat to India in the Champions Trophy. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Smith emphasized that the pitch favored spinners and was not ideal for batting.
He pointed out that scoring 280 or more runs could have changed the course of the game. However, he praised his bowlers for their hard work throughout the tournament, acknowledging their efforts despite the loss.
Rohit Sharma Credits Team Effort for Victory
India’s skipper Rohit Sharma delighted with his team’s outstanding performance. He stated that after the first innings, the team knew they had to bat exceptionally well to chase the target.
Sharma highlighted that the target was not easy to achieve, but the team approached it with the right strategy. He credited the entire squad and management for their roles in securing the victory.
Key Partnerships Led to India’s Success
Discussing the team’s strategy, Sharma mentioned that building strong partnerships was a crucial part of their game plan. He specifically praised Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer for their match-winning partnership, which played a vital role in the chase.
Additionally, Sharma acknowledged the importance of having multiple bowling options, stating that having six quality bowlers made his job as captain much easier. He concluded by saying that every player contributed in some way to India’s well-earned victory.
