Trinidad & Tobago's two-wicket win over Cape Cobras did not immediately assure the side of qualification for the semifinals from Group ‘A', but skipper Darren Ganga said the performance of his side through the tournament was a source of pride.
“We can hold our heads high. We lost two of our best players from 2009 (Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo) and a lot of people had written us off. They had reservations about us going forward in the tournament. I have always maintained that it is a team game and not about individuals,” he said, speaking after the win.
Ganga also said he did not mind that the last set of matches weren't played simultaneously, as is the practice in most international sports.
“It is very difficult to have matches scheduled like that. Such is life. There is a lot of excitement in sitting on the fence and cheering for Chennai Super Kings. Not 100 per cent, but may be 80 or 90 per cent” he said, bringing out a CSK jersey on cue.
The captain had kind words for 22-year old Kevon Cooper, whose late order hitting has been instrumental in both of T&T's wins in the tournament, saying the all-rounder has ‘shown a lot of potential since he was selected for Trinidad & Tobago at 16.'
Cooper said it was a dream come true to perform well at a stage like the Champions League T20 but played down comparisons to the other Trinidadian all-rounder that the tournament helped launch, in Pollard.
“I don't think about it (comparisons to Pollard). Can't express my feelings right now, watching all the international cricketers on TV and now playing against them and coming good, it's a great feeling,” said the Man of the Match.
Justin Kemp, captain of Cape Cobras, said his bowling unit had not come to the party all tournament and that the inability of his side to finish off matches when on top cost it dearly.
“We've had two tough games and we haven't bowled well at all really, all tournament. Unfortunately it caught up with us today.
“You can't have three four no balls in an over like we did today, then you are struggling; a few wides as well, which doesn't make it easy,” he said.
“We get ourselves into winning positions, we were in a great position in the 16th over, also in the match against Chennai, but we let it slip. In tournaments like these we need to win from there,” said Kemp after the loss that saw his side get knocked out of the tournament.
