When Royal Challengers Bangalore were down 68 for six, Dwayne Smith’s blistering 73 appeared significant in the context of the match at that stage but the right-hander saw his knock go in vain as AB de Villiers came up with a match-winning unbeaten 79.
“I think when AB (de Villiers) got really going,” said Smith when asked when did he think the match was slipping away from Gujarat Lions here on Tuesday.
“With him still at the crease, the game was in their (RCB) hands but we knew we still had a little chance. We really wanted to get him out but he batted really well.
“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 remarked.
Smith said the pitch was a little slow but got better later. “When we first batted (it was a bit slow), I think after a little sprinkle (rain) the pitch got in their favour. We too started really well with the ball but it’s just one of those days. You can’t really do much but we still got a second chance.”
Smith also defended Lions’ skipper Suresh Raina for bowling out Dhawal Kulkarni, who took 4/14, at the start of chase itself.
“For me, all I can say is that he bowled well. We were looking for wickets and we had to get wickets. I think the captain did the right thing and we just didn’t back him up. And the other bowlers tried as well.”
The West Indies’ batsman was, however, happy with Lions’ performance this season as a debutant. “I think we’ve done very well so far for a team that has come new to the tournament,” he pointed out.
“We gel well together and are like one family. The guys have done an excellent job to get here. Some teams haven’t 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,” he reasoned.
