Smith fails as Stokes fires

AUSTRALIAN captain Steve Smith had a rare failure with the bat but it mattered little for Rising Pune Supergiant after Ben Stokes smashed one of the best innings in IPL history.

Smith (4) was out in the first over – the first time he has failed to reach double figures this IPL campaign – before Stokes starred in chase of 162 against Gujarat Lions. The all-rounder battled cramps at the end of his unbeaten 103 off 63 balls before Aussie Dan Christian hit the winning six to ice a win with one ball to spare.