 Chennai Super Kings fail to seal semi-final berth
24th May 2008 23:01 IST
Agencies
Earlier, Smith led a batting assault with a blistering 51-ball 91 and, backed up by an equally explosive 28-ball 53 by Akmal, helped table toppers Rajasthan Royals post a huge 211/5.
Electing to bat after winning the toss, the rampaging Royals, who rested four players to bring in new faces, sent Super Kings bowlers for a leather hunt for most part of match.
Smith and Swapnil Asnodkar plundered 127 runs for the first wicket, second highest IPL opening stand, from just 67 balls to lay the foundation for a big total.
The duo were in such an attacking mood that they reached 50-run mark in just 4.5 overs and coasted to 100 in 9.4 overs.
The home team had to toil till the 12th over for their first success when Asnodkar was run out for 44 (27 balls, 5X4, 2X6), failing to beat a Dhoni- Patel combine.
Smith continued in his attacking mode but was unlucky to miss a hundred by nine runs after batting so beautifully. He fell to part timer Raina while trying for a lofted drive for Dhoni to hold a fine catch after running from cover region.
Smith's superb 91 came off 51 balls with the help of nine fours and a six.
The next two batsmen -- Yusuf Pathan (6) and Kaif (10) -- did not contribute much, both falling to Morkel and the run rate dipped as the visitors scored just 44 from the last five overs.
Pakistani Akmal, who had not done much in the tournament so far, then smashed 53 (28 balls, 3x6; 4x4) to take the score past 210.
Morkel was the most successful Chennai bowler with 2/35 while Raina claimed one wicket for 20. |
