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We would have chased even 200 against RCB: Smith

Source:PTI
April 25, 2016

'RCB's bowling line up is not as strong and even a target of 200 runs could have been chased'

IMAGE:Dwayne Smith of Gujrat Lions plays a shot during the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore held at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot. Photograph: BCCI

Gujarat Lions opening batsman Dwayne Smith says they would have faced no difficulty even chasing down a 200-plus target since the Royal Challengers Bangalore attack lacks teeth.

"Bangalore's bowling line up is not as strong and even a target of 200 runs could have been chased against them on this wicket," Smith said after Lions beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by six wickets, chasing 181, in Rajkot, on Sunday night.

"We won the first three matches and then lost a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, I am happy that Lions team has got back on winning track," he added.

The West Indies batsman made quick-fire 32 off 21 balls with three fours and two sixes while opening the batting with Brendon McCullum (42).

Skipper Suresh Raina (28) and Dinesh Karthik (not out 50) made useful contribution with the bat in Lions' victory.

Smith said Kane Richardson's over, which ,fetched 25 runs for the Lions, was turning point of the match.

"It's my natural game to play aggressive and I looked to attack every bowler but Richardson's over was turning point as we were chasing 180 runs and got 25 runs in his over. 

(Smith was dismissed in the second ball of that Richardson over but McCullum ensured it was a prolific one for the Lions, hitting a couple of boundaries and an equal number of sixes in the remaining four balls)

"I got an opportunity for the Lions and I just took it and gave what I can," he said. When asked about Australian batsmen Aaron Finch's injury, Smith said "he would be fine soon".

Finch had struck three back to back fifties in Lions' opening three wins, but failed for a nought in their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He could not bat in Lion's six wickets win against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

"I don't know exactly what has happened to him but I am sure he will be fine soon," Smith added.

Source: PTI
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