IPL 2016 Steven Smith 101 runs of 54 Balls GL vs RPS Match Highlights
What a finish to the game! Gujarat hold their nerve for the second match in succession this season to win a nail-biter against Pune. Chasing a mammoth target of 196, Gujarat's openers Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith took their team off to an exceptional start that made light work of the big target. The 93-run stand off just 49 balls virtually gave the tourists the advantage despite the enormity of the target. However, as in recent games, the duo's departure slowed the innings a bit as Pune managed to claw their way back into the match.
Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik put on a solid 51-run stand to consolidate on the rapid start but the former departed with 30 needed from 22. Pune kept clinging on although some poor bowling at the end allowed Gujarat to release the pressure whenever needed. 9 was needed off the final over but Perera lost the plot in the initial deliveries to virtually kill the chase. A couple of wickets off successive balls did keep the interest alive but Faulkner ensured that there would be no miracles for Pune in the end. A hard pill to swallow for the hosts after having batted so well.
Murugan Ashwin was the pick of the bowlers although he didn't get a wicket. His 18th over was top class, conceding just 4 runs to keep the game alive. Dinda and Perera did take wickets but were expensive and therefore allowed Gujarat to motor along in the chase despite having a huge required run rate to deal with. Pune's bowling once again let them down at vital moments in the match.
It was the second time this season that a batsman had scored a century against Gujarat but both times they ensured that the efforts were in vain. It's 5/5 in chases for the tourists this season as they continue to be on top of the table. Pune's season continues to go downhill as they find themselves at the bottom half of the pool.