Dubai: Virat Kohli, the Royal Challengers Bangalore captain, was relieved after a close win against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday night and said it was a little birthday gift to his wife Anushka Sharma.

RCB, who looked set for a big total but could only manage 167 during their innings, had their bowlers to thank, especially Tim Southee. “My wife [Anushka Sharma] is here, it’s her birthday & it’s a little birthday gift to her. I’m glad she could enjoy the win watching from here & it’s very special to achieve two points in front of her,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation.

Commenting on the importance of the victory, Kohli said: “We needed that win. Such an important stage of the tournament. We all believe in the changing room that this was the push we needed. Important two points. Just told the bowlers, to back their gut. Take ownership of your field, your plans, and own it.

“Siraj, Colin, Southee were excellent. Umesh, Chahal everyone bowled well. The one over that J.P. Duminy bowled and Manan targeted (for 22 runs) took the game away from them. We needed impact performances and that’s what happened.”

Brief scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Mumbai Indians by 14 runs. Royal Challengers Bangalore 167/7 (Manan Vohra 45, Brendon McCullum 37; Hardik Pandya 3/28) Mumbai Indians 153/7 in 20 overs (Hardik Pandya 50, Krunal Pandya 23, Jean-Paul Duminy 23).