Published: Apr 15, 2013, 09:32 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 15, 2013, 09:32 PM (IST)
Aaron Finch scored 67 from 45 balls, which included 10 boundaries and two hits over the fence © IANS
By Devarchit Varma
Chennai: Apr 15, 2013
Aaron Finch cracked a quickfire half-century and Steven Smith scored 16-ball 39 not out as Pune Warriors India set a target of 160 runs against Chennai Super Kings in the 19th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2013 on Monday.
Pune produced an inspired batting show led by Finch and Smith to score 159 for five from their allotted 20 overs, after skipper Ross Taylor won the toss and elected to bat first at Chennai’s fortress, MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Finch scored a 45-ball 67 to give Pune Warriors a rollicking start while towards the end, Smith smashed three sixes and as many boundaries from just 16 balls to race to 39 not out.
Finch, who disappointed with the bat in Pune’s previous match, showed aggressive intent right from the word go and cracked three boundaries off Dirk Nannes in the first over of the innings to set the tone early on.
The Australian batsmen looked in terrific touch in the beginning as he punished Ravindra Jadeja as well in his second over, and the Chennai Super Kings had no answer.
While Finch continued playing strokes all over the park, Robin Uthappa hung around to give stability and opportunity to Finch to play his game.
The misfiring Pune Warriors got a splendid start and after the end of the first powerplay, they had garnered 48 runs without losing a wicket.
Finch raced to his half-century in just 32 balls, which included nine boundaries and a six. The right-handed batsman had a special liking for Nannes, off whom he scored five boundaries in the first two overs.
Both Finch and Uthappa looked at ease against the Chennai bowling attack and picked up a boundary almost every over to keep up the scoring rate high.
Finch’s blitz ended in the 13th over of the innings from Ravindra Jadeja, but not before the Pune opener clobbered a short delivery a six over the deep midwicket boundary. Jadeja was lucky enough as the next delivery was short as well, but this time, Finch was walking down the crease for another big hit. The Pune opener missed the ball completely and MS Dhoni is not the one who misses out on chances behind the wickets.
Finch was visibly disappointed with the way he got out. He scored 67 from 45 balls, which included 10 boundaries and two hits over the fence.
Chennai soon enjoyed the second breakthrough, with Uthappa losing his patience and giving an easy catch to Jadeja at the long-on boundary off Chris Morris on the first ball of the 14th over.
Uthappa scored 26 runs from 33 balls, which included two hits to the fence.
The Pune Warriors India failed to carry the momentum provided by Finch, as after his dismissal at the total of 96 in the 13th over, they lost wickets in quick succession which gave Chennai the edge.
Uthappa followed Finch back in the hut nine balls later and skipper Ross Taylor failed to make a mark, being dismissed for eight off 12 deliveries.
Mitchell Marsh failed as well, slashing towards the third man in a bid to clear the ropes, but Albie Morkel did enough to grab the ball over his head.
For Chennai Super Kings, Morris claimed 2-25 while Bravo bagged two wickets for 35 runs off his four overs.
Brief Scores: Pune Warriors India 159 for 5 in 20 overs (Aaron Finch 67, Steven Smith 39*, Robin Uthappa 26; Chris Morris 2 for 25, Dwayne Bravo 2 for 35) vs Chennai Super Kings.
(Devarchit Varma is a cricket fanatic who finds nothing more exciting to do than to write, watch or talk about the sport. Having played the game at club and college level, he now pursues his passion as a scribe)
