Despite Dwayne Smith’s heroic 73, Gujarat Lions went down to Royal Challengers Bangalore by four wickets courtesy AB de Villiers’ brilliance in the IPL-9 Qualifier 1 encounter here on Tuesday night.
At one stage, spearhead Dhawal Kulkarni’s destructive opening spell had Lions well in control of the game reducing the hosts RCB to 29/5. Then it was ABD’s match-winning unbeaten 79 that rescued RCB from the jaws of defeat.
Watching the South African ace de Villiers tame the Lions’ bowlers, an awestruck Smith admitted, “I think when AB got really going and with him still at the crease, the game was in their hands. But we knew we still had a little chance. We really wanted to get him out but he batted really well.”
A confident Smith said Lions will be keen to bounce back in their Qualifier 2 in New Delhi on Friday. “Hats off to them (RCB) but we too still have a chance. We are going fight in Delhi and come back here for the final,” he added.
Smith felt the light drizzle during the Powerplay made life hard in the middle for the Lions. “I think after a little sprinkle from the rain, the pitch got in their favour. We too started really well with the ball and it’s just one of those days and can’t really do much,” said the West Indian all-rounder.
Defending 158, Kulkarni bowled out his quota in one spell. “For me, all I can say that he bowled well. We were looking for wickets and we had to get wickets. I think the captain did the right thing. And the other bowlers tried as well,” he said.
On their journey in the maiden season, a proud Smith explained, “I think we’ve done very well so far for a team that has come new to the tournament. We gel together and are like one family. The guys have done an excellent job to get here. Some teams didn’t even come so far as we have. We have done well so far and I think we can do better to get back here for the final.”
