MUMBAI, India, CMC– West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Smith failed with the bat as Chennai Super Kings were knocked out of the Indian Premier League (IPL), suffering a convincing 24 run loss to Kings X1 Punjab yesterday.
Smith, who has been among the prolific scorers in IPL 7, was bowled for seven as Chennai embarked on an enterprising effort to chase down an imposing 227 run target in qualifier two at the Wankhede Stadium.
Chennai were way ahead during the chase with Suresh Raina leading the charge with 87 coming off just 25 balls to reduce the stature of a century from Virender Sehwag that powered Kings X1 Punjab to their impressive total.
Raina’s explosive innings stunned the Punjab side and threatened to deprive Punjab.
Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni tried to push the limits but could manage only 42 from 31 balls as Chennai reached 202 for 7 in 20 overs.
In setting up the victory for Punjab, Sehwag blasted a quick fire 122 from 58 balls, his second century in IPL history, and shared a superb opening stand with Manan Vohra (34) that produced 110 runs.
Sehwag became only the second batsman this season to score a century after West Indies opener Lendl Simmons, who had scored an unbeaten 100 for Mumbai against Punjab.
Punjab will now fight it out for the title with Sunil Narine’s Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday in Bangalore.
