DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC- West Indies opening batsman Dwayne Smith top scored with a belligerent half century that set the stage for Chennai Super Kings to register a narrow seven run win over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier league (IPL) here yesterday.
Smith roared to an even 50 from 28 balls, the major contributor to Chennai’s 140 for six in 20 overs before bowling out Royals for 133 in 19.5 overs at Dubai International cricket stadium.
Smith smashed six fours and three sixes and shared an opening stand of 35 with Brendon McCullum but when he departed no one down the order managed to get any momentum.
Smith was in a no nonsense mood hitting the very first delivery of the game for four through the covers.
The Barbadian batsman was particularly severe in punishing Australian James Faulkner, hitting him for four consecutive fours in the 6th over.
Smith was caught after splicing a slower, back of a length ball down the throat of mid-off.
Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round show – 36 not out and four for 33 – also helped the Chennai Super Kings to victory.
Brief scores:Chennai Super Kings 140 for 6 in 20 overs (Dwayne Smith 50, Ravindra Jadeja 36*; Rajat Bhatia 2 for 13) beat Rajasthan Royals 133 in 19.5 overs (Dhawal Kulkarni 28, Rajat Bhatia 23; Ravindra Jadeja 4 for 33) by 7 runs.
