Mumbai Indians defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 34 runs to win their first afternoon fixture at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Krunal Pandya had an impressive outing as he finished the innings for MI with 20* (4). He also did well with the ball and picked the wicket of Priyam Garg. Skipper Rohit Sharma asserted that the all-rounder showed his value in the game.

Krunal addressed the media at the post-match press conference. The 29-year-old shared his thoughts about the fast-bowling department, the decision to bat first and team preparation.

What do you make of the fast-bowling attack you have in the team this year?

Krunal: “It’s amazing. We have quality fast bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah has been our number one bowler. The bowling has strengthened with Boult coming in the side and then the way Pattinson has gone about his business every game. All the fast bowlers have been consistent with Mitchell McClenaghan and Coulter-Nile waiting in the wing. So we have got a good fast-bowlers pool to use.”

200 plus has become a par score at Sharjah. Any thoughts on the toss and the decision to bat here and moving forward, do you think that the teams will make their lineups batsmen friendly?

Krunal: “Everyone has already spoken about it. The ground is really small here. So I guess again the strategy was to put maximum runs like if you see Delhi in the last game.  At the end of the day, anything above 200, the pressure will be there while chasing. So I guess it’s better to bat first, put up a good total and then the bowlers can execute their plans.”

A huge total doesn’t seem difficult at Sharjah but MI won today on the strength of its bowling performance. What were the plans on a wicket that is known to favour the batsmen?

Krunal: “All the bowlers bowled well. Every over in fact was crucial because again the ground is small. One over can change the momentum. You can go for 25-30 runs and then you have to start again. We executed our plans well. As a bowling unit, we were unpredictable and we were ahead in terms of what we had to do.”

In two days, you again play at Abu Dhabi. How does it affect the team’s preparation given the travel and short rest time?

Krunal: “It doesn’t affect that much because we have been used to doing this, travelling and playing again. So I guess it won't be an issue. Tomorrow is a proper rest day and then the boys will be ready for the next game.”

Between you and Hardik, who is the bigger six-hitter?

Krunal: “I guess, I’ll say the Pandyas are the biggest six-hitters.”