Faulkner, Smith star in IPL clash

BIRTHDAY boy James Faulkner sealed a three-wicket finalball victory for the Gujarat Lions as a maiden T20 century from Steve Smith failed to get the Rising Pune Supergiants the win.

After being caught off a noball, Smith made the most of his lifeline as he notched up 101 off 54 balls in the Indian Premier League clash in Pune.

The Australian skipper was cleaned up in the ninth over by IPL debutant Shivil Kaushik, but kept his place at the crease when it was found to be a front-foot no-ball.

He followed up his narrow escape with a six on the next ball, then continued to drive up the score before being bowled by Dwayne Bravo in the final over of the innings.

The Supergiants’ 3-195 total left table-topping Gujarat on the back foot, but solid knocks from Dwayne Smith (63) and Brendon McCullum (43) set them on their way.

Dinesh Karthik put on a further 33, while Suresh Raina added 34 before falling in the final over.

Faulkner (9), marking his 26th birthday, was given something else to celebrate as he hit a single off the final delivery to claim the match for his side.