Pathan, Smith power Royals to five-wicket win over Daredevils

Centurion, Apr 28: Yusuf Pathan struck a blistering half century while Graeme Smith Graeme Smith muscled his way to a belligerent 42 to power Rajasthan Royals to a five wicket victory over Delhi Daredevils at the SuperSport Park here today.
Chasing a modest 144, Rajasthan Royals rode on Pathan's buccaneering 62 of 30 balls and Smith's sensible 42 off 46 balls to cruise to 147 for five in 18.3 overs to register their second victory of the tournament and end Daredevils winning run.

Elected to bat, earlier, a fighting half-century from AB de Villiers and some lusty hitting down the order from Daniel Vettori and Mithun Manhas helped Delhi Daredevils post 143 for seven after Rajasthan bowlers sent packing four Delhi top-order batsmen with the scoreboard reading 49.

The Royals started their run chase on a cautious note but were little unlucky as Rob Quiney (4) departed early lbw to Nehra, but TV replays clearly showed he hit the ball.

Swapnil Asnodkar (11), demoted from the opening position, showed glimpses of his last year's brilliance, picking up 10 runs off Pradeep Sangwan's first over before running himself out in search of a non-existent single.

Next man in Paul Valthaty (1) didn't trouble the scorers. Graeme Smith, on the other hand, played the role of a sheet anchor, but didn't get ample support from the other end. PTI