English all-rounder Moeen Ali scored his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) fifty for Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday against table toppers SunRisers Hyderabad at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, and helped his team in registering the third consecutive win.

Ali scored 65 runs off 34 balls with a strike rate of 191.18. Talking about the game and especially about his performance, the England all-rounder said that he felt the need to contribute and it is unfair to expect skipper Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers to do the job for the franchise in every single game.

Advertisement

“It is obviously very important (to contribute). It is a massive momentum kind of game. We have to contribute to go further and potentially get through (to the playoffs). You can’t always rely on two guys, two amazing players who will do their bit but we have to sort of chip in and win games for the team as well,” the 30-year-old said while addressing the press conference after the match.

During his explosive 65-run innings, Ali struck two boundaries and six sixes and added 105 runs crucial partnership with AB de Villiers.

“It was good. I feel like I have been playing well in the nets and practice. I wasn’t in great form coming here. It was nice to go out and express myself in the last game here, for the fans and team, for my own and team’s confidence in me as well so that we can keep going forward,” Ali said, talking about his performance.

“It is great to be in the team and winning and when you win you always stick with the same formula and we are doing it now for the last three games and hopefully we can keep doing that,” Ali added.

Moeen Ali also credited RCB coach Gary Kirsten and assistant Trent Woodhill for helping him improve his skills.

“Gary and Trent Woodhill… I have worked the most with them on my batting. I am trying to hit the ball and be consistent in hitting boundaries. They have really opened my game and I feel going further for England, it will help me become a better ODI player and improve my game,” he said.

RCB will now face Rajasthan Royals in their last game.