Smith's 50 in vain as Delhi see off Royals

Tuesday, 23 April 2019:

STEVE SMITH of Australia celebrates after reaching his double century of the 2nd Investec Ashes Test match at Lord's Cricket Ground.
STEVE SMITH of Australia celebrates after reaching his double century of the 2nd Investec Ashes Test match at Lord's Cricket Ground.


Steve Smith has continued his good IPL form with the bat but it wasn't enough to prevent Rajasthan Royals losing by six wickets to Delhi Capitals.

Smith registered his second successive half-century since being restored as captain to help the Royals build a daunting total of 6-191 on Monday.

Ajinkya Rahane, who was relieved of the captaincy last week after his side won only two of their first eight games, scored a brilliant 105 of just 63 balls.

But Smith's departure for 50 when he miscued a long-hop from Axar Patel and was caught on the boundary by Chris Morris slowed down the Royals' progress.

Smith was dismissed by the opening ball of the 14th over with the score at 2-135.

Ben Stokes (8) soon followed and luckless Ashton Turner then registered his third successive IPL golden duck - to set an unwanted T20 world record.

The West Australian, who starred in Australia's ODI series win over India, became the first player to make five successive ducks.

Turner fell without scoring for Australia against India in February which was preceded by another scoreless innings in the BBL for Perth Scorchers against Sydney Strikers.

Riyan Parag then exited for four as the Royals only added 57 from their final 6.5 overs, largely down to some fine bowling from Kagiso Rabada (2-37)

The Ricky Ponting-coached Capitals cruised to their imposing total with four balls to spare after a quickfire 54 from veteran Shikhar Dhawan set the platform for Rishabh Pant o guide his side home.

The exciting young batsman-keeper, who was controversially left out of India's World Cup squad, smashed four sixes and six fours in his unbeaten 78 that took the Capitals to the top of the table.

"We thought we didn't finish off well when we were batting and they pulled things back with Rabada and Morris in the death overs," Smith said.

"We couldn't quite get hold of their bowlers. The wicket played well throughout, one of the best in the tournament I thought.

"They took our bowlers on in the powerplay and Shikhar Dhawan played a magnificent knock. Pant is a young lad and he did a terrific job as well for them."






AAP






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