A 198-run stand doesn’t happen every day. Andre Fletcher, back in the team after missing out on the last few games, stamped his presence in the side immediately, sending the opposition bowlers on a leather hunt. He was at the post-match press conference sharing his thoughts. Excerpts.. 

On his record partnership with Tom Banton

Honestly, I had no idea. We were trying to run as hard as possible between the wickets and make use of the boundary option when it came. I am super happy for Tom Banton, the way he played. It just shows that he is very consistent and is sticking to his strengths. I am very happy to be contributing as well. We have to continue from strength to strength. It is not over. 

On the conversations while batting in the middle

We were talking to each other. There is a big side and a small side to this ground. We were trying to run as much as possible when it went to the big side and put them under pressure. They haven’t been a good fielding team so that helped. It’s all about sticking to our strength as well. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. 

Thoughts on being dropped after the first two games 

It’s all about combinations. I played the first game and it all about what is best for the team. That never dampened my spirit. I always know that once anyone goes out and performs for MI Emirates, everyone would be happy for them. I got the opportunity and I performed today. I wouldn’t say I got dropped. No one in the team got dropped. It is about doing what is best for the team.

On missing out on a century

It would have been nice to get it. But at the end of the day, I did what the team required. Batting as deep as possible, that is what matters. Maybe one day it could be me again, you never know. I just look to enjoy the moment. 

On the conditions on offer

It wasn’t easy. The ball was doing a bit upfront. It was about trying to bat as long as possible, pickup singles when necessary and then capitalize on the bad balls. We realize the longer we bat, especially in Abu Dhabi, a set batter puts the other team under pressure. It is our home ground and we had to make use of our conditions, and we did just that. 

On winning the battle against Mohammad Amir

We all know he is a class bowler. Some days you get it wrong, some days you get it right. Unfortunately, it was on the bad side for him. As a batter, I was happy. When he gets it right, we know how difficult he can be to play.

On Abu Dhabi being a second home 

T10 is being played here as well. I am lucky to be playing T10 every season. I have an idea about the wicket but that doesn’t mean that I can just go out and fire. It is all about the conditions. Some days it might be different, so you just have to assess and then accelerate.