Hobart Hurricanes batsman Aiden Blizzard and Cape Cobras coach Paul Adams spoke in the same vein as both admitted that the 'no-ball' bowled by Vernon Philander in the 18th over proved to be the "turning point" as Aussie outfit won the CLT20 encounter between the two teams.
"I think the no-ball was a turning point for me. I was fortunate to get that opportunity to keep going and get a free hit. That was when the innings turned around for me personally. We are very happy with the win. We are on the board now. So, couple of big games coming up for us," Blizzard said at the post-match press conference.
Cape Cobras coach Adams expressed disappointment over losing the match despite setting a competitive target of 185 to the rivals.
"Firstly, very disappointed. I thought 80 per cent we had it in our pocket. That no-ball cost us big time there. We could have a much better fight today. Happy with the batting, the way we went. Trying to get a winning total, we knew it was a good wicket. So, I think the minimum score was about 180. I am just disappointed with coming so close and losing the game," Adams said.
"I thought our slow bowlers bowled quite nicely," he said to another query.
Blizzard, who hit a superb 78 runs in just 48 balls, expressed his delight after guiding his team to an impressive sic-wicket win.
"It looked as if the game was getting away from us as it did in our last game against Kings XI Punjab. We are very happy with this win. We take a lot of confidence here that tonight we can chase down big totals in this tournament," Blizzard said.
He also complimented Hurricanes' opening batsman Ben Dunk, who made an extremely useful 54 runs in 35 balls.
Blizzard said he and his colleagues sought to go head on into the chase of the massive 185 quickly.
"We got to start getting in and strike as hard as we could. It is a bit unfortunate that we lost a few wickets in the middle overs there. The spinners were bowling very well and full credit to them. We thought it will be a great opportunity to capitalise on the pace of the quicks. Full credit to Jonathan Wells, who came out there and played an amazing innings as well," Blizzard added.
