Pollard feels the heat after losing to Lahore Lions

Having started their campaign in the Champions League Twenty20 with a loss, Mumbai Indians captain Kieron Pollard conceded that pressure would be on his side as they will have to win their next two matches to make it to the tournament proper.

"We have to now win both our next two matches. For us, it is going to be like finals in the next two games," Pollard said after his side's six-wicket loss at the hands of Lahore Lions in their opening match of the qualifying round here.

"Pressure is on us now, we have never won Champions League T20 easy. It is important that we bring our A-game tomorrow," said Pollard.

Defending champions Mumbai play against Southern Express in their second match at the same venue on Sunday.

Asked what went wrong in the match, Pollard said, "We can't fault the bowlers, but with a wet ball, we should have made more runs. Ojha bowled well, Bhajji bowled well.

We weren't able to get early wickets, but we pulled it back in the middle though we lost in the end," said the West Indian.

Lahore captain Mohammad Hafeez praised his bowlers and Umar Akmal, who took his side to victory with a 18-ball unbeaten 38, for the win.

"I think bowlers did their job, the later overs were very good. Everyone bowled well. The target was not big and I knew one good partnership will do. Umar Akmal was exceptional."

Image: Kieron Pollard

Photograh: BCCI