Tendulkar glad to begin with a win

The Mumbai Indians began their DLF Indian Premier League 2009 campaign on a good note by defeating last year's finalists Chennai Super Kings by 19 runs in the opening match of the tournament.

Skipper Sachin Tendulkar made a heroic undefeated 59 from 49 balls, carrying his bat right through the innings as Mumbai notched up a winning total of 165.

However, Tendulkar realizes that there’s a long road ahead if his team needs to reach the next stage of the tournament.

"I am glad that we have started well, but I don't want to take anything for granted. It's too early in the tournament and it's same for the other teams also," said India’s star batsman.

Mumbai could have fallen a few runs short of its final total had it not been for Abhishek Nayar’s brisk cameo of 35 from just 14 balls. Nayar hit over 18, bowled by the highest paid player in the IPL – Andrew Flintoff, for 22 runs to skyrocket Mumbai to a winning total.

Tendulkar praised the young Nayar, who was also a handy batsman for his franchise last year.

"There was a bit of dampness in the initial overs and the first 7-8 overs were difficult. But Abhishek Nayar played a brilliant innings.”

“My job was to stay till the end and allow other guys to hit the ball. We were looking around a total of 150-160. I don't want to take anything for granted but I'm glad we've started well."

Mumbai Indians play their next match against last year’s champions Rajasthan Royals on April 21.