'Want to make a winning start at home'

Delhi Daredevils leg-spinner Amit Mishra said they were eager to make a winning start at home and would be approaching their contest against Kings XI Punjab here on Friday with an aggressive mindset.

Daredevils’ start to the season was far from ominous following their nine-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening game.

“Yes we lost the first match but everyone in the team is positive and we will approach the match with aggressive mindset. We want to make a winning start at home,” Mishra said on the eve of the match on Thursday.

“We did not do well last season. We are looking for a last four finish. We have options in our team. We have big hitters like Carlos Brathwaite down the order, the middle order has Sanju (Samson) who has been doing well in domestic season. So we have the right combination but we need to find a way to click. Rahul Dravid has been working with the batters, trying to fine tune whatever is needed like what shots to play. All these things should help us click in the longer run.

Mishra and Imran Tahir had done well in the previous edition and the Haryana bowlers was looking forward to another season with the South Africa leg-spinner.

Kings XI Punjab captain David Miller said they have analysed the opponents and conditions well and were confident about their preparations.

“We didn’t have a good first game (against Gujarat Lions). But it was a learning experience, I learnt a few things personally. We were 20 runs shorts,” Miller said.

“We have got three days to prepare and I think we have prepared well.  We have become familiar with conditions here, and I have spoken to the bowlers about the plans.”