It is great to finish with a double: Sharma

Rohit Sharma, the Mumbai skipper, led from the front with a cameo 33 off just 14 deliveries and took Mumbai to their second World T20 League title beating Rajasthan by 33 runs in the final in New Delhi. Sharma said that the final lived up to its expectations. He also paid tribute to Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, both of whom had played their last matches for their respective franchises. "It was a nerve-biting game. We did expect it. It was a great build up to the game. I would like to thank the two legends for their contribution to Indian and World cricket." Sharma added they knew that after being put in, with the dew a factor at night, they would need a big total to defend. He hailed the effort of Dwayne Smith who again gave Mumbai a good start. He praised Glenn Maxwell for his blitzkrieg 37 off just 14 deliveries which surged Mumbai past 200. "We knew that with dew coming around, we needed a big score on the board. It was a great start from Smith and Maxi ended it very well. Winning this is the icing on the cake, this is a great tournament to be playing. I would like to thank everyone associated with the team for this victory. There were a lot of expectations from us. It is great to finish with a double (Mumbai are also the current Indian T20 League Champions)," added Sharma. He stated that Sanju Samson and Ajinkya Rahane gave them a real scare with their brilliant century partnership but credited his bowlers for fighting back and restricting the Rajasthan batsmen. "They started off the chase superbly, but our bowlers did their bit towards the end." Skipper of Rajasthan, Rahul Dravid praised the start given by Samson and Rahane who had threatened to take the match away from Mumbai. He added that he was disappointed with the bowling at the death. Rajasthan had given away 83 runs in the last 5 overs. "It was a fantastic chase. Sanju and Rahane were outstanding. We perhaps gave away too many runs in the final overs. I am proud of the efforts of my team. It was a great final. We did excellently well and the crowds have been terrific as well." Dravid hinted at a possible future mentoring role with the Rajasthan team. "I have loved working with the team management and it has been a privilege to work with them. I am grateful for the kind of support that both teams gave me when I entered the ground today. I am looking forward to working with this unit in the future as well." Dwayne Smith won the man of the series award for his consistent effort at the top of the order. He was again instrumental in laying the platform for a big Mumbai total. His 44 off 39 balls gave the innings the momentum it needed at the start. Smith thanked the coach of Mumbai, Robin Singh for his advice and guidance. "I would like to thank all the guys who supported me, particularly Robin Singh. We wanted to build and then look at getting a big score. Getting to 200 was a bonus. It was nice to get some runs in the tournament and I enjoyed playing in front of such large crowds," stated Smith who aggregated 223 in the tournament (only behind Rahane and Dhawan) at a staggering strike rate of 142.94. Harbhajan Singh turned the match on its head with his spell and deservedly received the man of the match award. He got rid of the dangerous Shane Watson before seeing the back of Ajinkya Rahane, Stuart Binny and Kevon Cooper in his last over to leave Rajasthan in disarray. "I am very happy. Obviously, this is a great feeling. Winning 2 cups in a year is a great feeling. Credit goes to the team and the management." Harbhajan stated that it was easier batting when the ball was hard and new and it subsequently got tougher as the ball became softer. He said that he wanted to work hard and was looking forward to the four-day game between India A and the West Indies A which gets underway at Hubli from the 9th of October. "They started off well, particularly Sanju and Rahane. It was easier to bat under the new ball, it became hard to bat later on. The last over of mine was perhaps the best ever I have bowled over the last three months. I had not practised at all, I was travelling all over, particularly to the US. This is the second or third time that I am getting the MoM award in a final. I want to work hard with a big season coming up. Looking forward to the four day game." Glenn Maxwell whose cameo changed the complexion of the match stated that he was thrilled that he could contribute to the team's victory. "I threw some caution into the wind. It is a very good feeling to have contributed to the win," stated Maxwell who blasted 4 fours and 2 sixes in his 14-ball 37. Kieron Pollard was also very satisfied with his all-round effort. He hit 15 off 10 balls before picking up 3 wickets to seal the match and the trophy for Mumbai. "I just try to give my best every team I play. We hope to celebrate nicely in Mumbai." Pragyan Ojha, who ended the threatening century stand between Rahane and Samson dismissing the latter said he was really geared up for the final and was quite satisfied with his performance. "I was really charged up today. After coming so far, not giving your best at the final is not done. I was always looking to take wickets," stated Ojha who gave away just 26 runs off his 4 overs and was the most economical of all the Mumbai bowlers.