Johannesburg: The last-over heartbreak against Mumbai Indians in the previous match still fresh in his mind, Bangalore Royal Challengers batsman Virat Kohli said he was happy that he could take his team to the semifinals of the Champions League here on Tuesday.
In their last tie against Mumbai Indians, Kohli, despite hitting two fours in the last over, couldn't take his team home as they fell short by just two runs.
However, in their do-or-die match today, the Delhi batsman blasted a couple of sixes and a four in the 17th over to help his team overhaul the 160-run target and beat Lions to seal a place in the semis.
"Really happy to be there till the end, and the team won. I was really disappointed that I couldn't finish it off in the last game despite taking it to the last ball. Happy to do it this time," said Kohli, who scored an unbeaten 49, said.
"T20 games turn in one over. I was waiting for it, and it came in the 17th over. I messed up with Uthappa's run out and apologised to him. He is a good friend, doesn't mind that," he added.
RCB skipper Anil Kumble praised Kohli and said he had full faith on the young batsman.
"As long as wickets were there, and Virat was in with Whitey, we knew it was about one good over," he said.
"Virat also bowled well and his spell was critical. Virat and my spell at the middle overs was crucial. Dillon and Steyn also bowled really well in the end.
"I was disappointed with my performance in the previous game. But no better time to step up than in the next game. Nice to go back to Durban. Hope Chennai makes it there," he said.
His counterpart Alviro Petersen, however, backed his team and said they put up a good fight.
"We fought all the way and played as a team. Our success should not be measured by where we finished, but by the obstacles we crossed. We were about 20 runs short. Kumble tied us up a bit. The best team won - all the best to Bangalore for the semis," he said. PTI
