Still ‘flying under the radar,’ Otago Volts is pleased to have qualified for the group stage of the Champions League T20 with an all-win record and hopes to maintain the winning streak when it meets Indian Premier League (IPL) champion Mumbai Indians in a Group A encounter in Ahmedabad on Monday.
Volts coach Vaughan Johnson said his team had its feet on the ground.
“I think we are very respectful of Mumbai, but we are continuing our little run. We are up to about 14 (wins) on the trot now. I think because (the way) we have been playing, we will go into that game with confidence,” said Johnson after Volts’ five-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the PCA Stadium here on Friday night.
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“We have come from the middle of winter and we have had a decent run. We are not fearful of anyone. I would like to think we are still flying under the radar a little bit, but I am sure Wrighty (Mumbai coach John Wright) has done his homework and he knows what he is up against.”
Johnson hailed the McCullum brothers for their fine showing (Nathan took two for 23 and Brendon scored an unbeaten 67) against SRH. “Felt really good for Nathan. Change of tacks a little bit with him. I thought his pace tonight was very good.
“Obviously Baz (Brendon) showed what sort of champion he is. To my mind, he is the best captain in world cricket at the moment. He had limited bowling resources and I thought tactically, he did it very well.”
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SRH coach Tom Moody was disappointed with the loss and rued a crucial missed chance. “Brendon is a quality player. He took the game away. We were presented with an opportunity to get him out. We did not take that chance,” said Moody.