Smith ton in vain as Pune fall to defeat

The Gujarat Lions cemented their place at the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) when they beat the Rising Pune Supergiants by three wickets in a thrilling contest despite a maiden T20 century from Steve Smith.
Smith struck an imperious 101 off 54 balls as the Supergiants recovered from the loss of an early wicket to post a total of 195 for three in the 20 overs, which ultimately was not enough on a good batting pitch.
Saurabh Tiwary was run out in the third over for a single but Smith and Ajinkya Rahane combined for a 111-run partnership for the second wicket.
Rahane made an important contribution of 53 from 45 balls but the innings got a late boost as MS Dhoni bludgeoned 30 not out off just 18 balls, including two sixes and two fours.
Gujarat's run-chase got off to a cracking start as openers Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith blazed their way to 93 off only eight overs before McCullum departed for a rapid 43 off 22 balls.
Smith went on to score 63 from 37 balls while Suresh Raina (34) and Dinesh Karthik (33) made valuable contributions in the middle-order but the visitors kept losing wickets to give the home side hope.
Pune seamer Ashok Dinda initiated a small collapse that had the Gujarat dugout nervous as they required nine runs off the final six balls.
And even though there were two wickets in the over, birthday boy James Faulkner hit the winning runs off the final ball to give his team their sixth victory in their first seven games.
Latest
-
News
Joe Root shares victory call with fan who waited 10 months for team to arrive
England’s Test captain spoke with Rob Lewis, who has been in Sri Lanka since March, from a distance.
-
News
5 of the best England wins on the sub-continent
Joe Root’s side were convincing winners in the first Test in Sri Lanka.
-
News
Sarah Taylor: Cricket had to fade away but I’m happy
Taylor has not played the game since retiring from England duty in September 2019.
-
News
Mickey Arthur takes hope from Sri Lanka fight after ‘unacceptable’ first innings
Sri Lanka posted 359 in the second innings to take the edge of defeat by England.
-
News
Joe Root looks ahead after England seal Galle success
Jonny Bairstow and Dan Lawrence calmed the nerves to secure a seven-wicket win in Sri Lanka.
-
News
England claims seven-wicket win in Sri Lanka
The fourth-wicket pair calmly collected the remaining runs.
-
News
Jack Leach weary but happy after long wait for England return in Sri Lanka
The left-arm spinner claimed five for 122 as the tourists closed in on victory in the first Test.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day 4: Frantic finale ahead as England chase down slim target
Jos Buttler’s stumping was a crucial moment.
-
News
England wobble in pursuit of 74 to win first Test against Sri Lanka
Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley and Joe Root fell in quick succession early on.
-
News
England chasing 74 to win first Test against Sri Lanka
Jack Leach’s five wickets ended the home side’s resistance.