Mumbai men Agarkar, Abdullah attract praise from Ganguly

Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper lauds Agarkar and Abdullah in yesterday's 14-run win over Delhi

The Mumbai hand in Kolkata Knight Riders' win over Delhi Daredevils at Eden Gardens last night was significant if not large.

Ajit Agarkar showed that his absence from the international stage had not blunted his competitive edge and young spinner Iqbal Abdullah displayed that typical Mumbai spirit of not wasting an opportunity when presented with one.

Virender Sehwag can break an opposition captain's heart and spirit with the manner in which he pierces the field and he did that to an extent yesterday (64 runs off 40 balls, 6x4, 3x6). But he could not go the distance.

In the 15th over, Sehwag set himself up to cream a consecutive boundary off his India teammate. He backed away in his quest to play the off drive, got an inside edge and the next thing he knew, his furniture was in shambles.

Agarkar's figures of 4-0-36-1 would have been better had he not given away 11 runs in the last over of the match.

The Mumbai man played a good amount of cricket for India under Ganguly. In fact, his finest hour as a Test bowler came while playing in a Ganguly-led team u2014 in Adelaide 2003, when his six for 41 contributed to India's first Test match win in Australia since 1980-81.

"When Sehwag got out I was confident the match was in our pocket. Ajit has always been a breakthrough bowler. He has come under criticism many times, but I know his abilities.

"He is not only a bowler, let's not forget he is a brilliant fielder and from the boundary line, his throws are perfect and consistent," said skipper Ganguly.

Abdullah, the young left-arm spinner bowled Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof for two. He also effected a run out which sent back Rajat Bhatia.

"Murali Kartik was injured and so Iqbal got a chance to play today. He bowled well and kept a cool head in pressure situations. He did well in the field too," remarked Ganguly.