Smith, Stokes unable to get Pune home

Another all-round performance from Ben Stokes and a patient knock from Steve Smith weren't enough for Pune to sew up a top-two finish in the IPL.

Steve Smith's Rising Pune Supergiant missed the chance to move into the Indian Premier League top two with a seven-run loss to the Delhi Daredevils.

The Australian Test skipper, who headed to the crease earlier than expected after opener Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed with Delhi's first ball, made 39 before being trapped in front by Shahbaz Nadeem.

Daredevils had earlier posted a total of 8-168, Karun Nair top-scoring with 64. Australian duo Dan Christian and Adam Zampa finished with a wicket each while record signing Ben Stokes took 2-31.

Stokes again demonstrated why Pune splashed out almost $3 million for his services with another impressive all-round performance.

The 25-year-old, the competition's most expensive foreign player, has become one of the stars of this year's tournament, hitting his maiden Twenty20 century earlier this month.

Stokes continued his streak of fine all-round displays, backing up his bowling by showing his athleticism in the field and hitting 33.

He dismissed Nair for a 45-ball 64 and Pat Cummins cheaply, before running out Sanju Samson with a direct-hit from backward point and pulling off a remarkable catch to send Mohammed Shami packing.

Stokes's momentum appeared to be taking him over the rope after holding on to a skier from Shami on the deep midwicket boundary at full stretch, but he had the presence of mind to throw the ball in the air and collect on his return to the field.

Stokes then weighed in with 33 off 25 balls, including three fours and two sixes, during Pune's unsuccessful pursuit.


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Source: AAP



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