The Warriors just about managed to beat the Royal Challengers Bangalore off the last ball in the opening match of the CLT20 and skipper Johan Botha revealed the South African franchise’s gameplan.
"We thought a good start in the first six overs would set it up for us and then the batsmen can play freely," Botha said after his side's three-wicket win.
Botha credited Ashwell Prince, who top-scored with a 55-ball 74.
"Batting with Prince kept me nice and calm and I went for my shots and it came off for me. Myself and Rusty (Theron) kept counting every over. I had to go for it," Botha, who made a handy 42, said.
Reminded about his dismissal at a crucial juncture, he said, "I thought I blew it. I thought those three balls cost my team but Parnell struck it nicely."
Man of the Match Prince felt his 73-run partnership with Botha was crucial.
"Let me thank the Lord for giving me the strength. It was unbelievable. We lost momentum and when Johan came in, we got a partnership going. We needed some fortune to go our way, and scampering home at the end, it was dramatic stuff," Prince said.
The left-hander said the big over of Chris Gayle gave them the momentum they needed in the end overs.
"(Sreenath) Aravind and (Dirk) Nannes got those yorkers going, and we need a partnership in the middle. We told ourselves if we get one over of 15 or 20, and that over came off Chris Gayle. There's still a long way to go with some tough opposition waiting for us." he cautioned.
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