One bad game costs us semifinal berth: Kumble

Bangalore Royal Challengers captain Anil Kumble has rued that one bad game, against Victoria Bushrangers, did his side in as they crashed out of the Champions League Twenty20 here.

Bangalore lost to Victoria in their first League B Super Eight match on Thursday and despite last night's eight-wicket win over Delhi Daredevils, Kumble's side were out of semifinal contention.

"I thought we played really well in this tournament. The boys showed lots of commitment but one bad game made all the difference. We lost to Victoria Bushrangers and that match cost us a semifinal place," Kumble said after the match.

Kumble, who celebrated his 39th birthday yesterday, praised Ross Taylor for the New Zealander's superb innings of 65.

"It's a great birthday present though we were playing for pride. Ross (Taylor) played an exceptional innings to take us to victory. Rahul (Dravid) and (Virat) Kohli also chipped in," Kumble said.

"It was great to win before the home crowd who came out in large numbers though we were out of semifinal contention before this match. We want to prove that this team can win matches," he added.Delhi captain Gautam Gambhir felt his side were  short of 30-40 runs to put pressure on Bangalore.

"When Virender Sehwag was batting we thought we would score 170 but at the end we were 30-40 runs short. Ross Taylor batted superbly and he took the game out of our reach. Their spinners also bowled really well," a disappointed Gambhir said.

Despite being out of the competition, Gambhir said his side will play for a win against Cape Cobras in their last Super Eight match at home on Monday.

"It's important for us to play well in front of our fans in Delhi. We have to give them something to cheer for," he added.

Man-of-the-match Ross Taylor, a popular player for the Bangaloreans, thanked the crowd for their support.

"When you get crowd support like this it's hard not to entertain. I don't get this kind of reception back home in New Zealand and so have thanks to them."