Smith pleased with his finishing efforts

Smith made 79 not out to help Rajasthan Royals register their third successive win. © BCCI
Rajasthan Royals registered their third successive win in IPL 2015 after beating Mumbai Indians by seven wickets in Ahmedabad on Tuesday night. In their previous wins against Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils, James Faulkner and Deepak Hooda provided crucial performances and on Tuesday it was their captain Steven Smith's turn to steal the show. The Australian batted with a lot of sensibility and scored a 53-ball 79* - his maiden IPL fifty - to help Royals chase down 165 with five balls to spare.

At the post-match presentation, Smith cut a satisfied figure and spoke of his efforts. "I never get tired. It's my job to score runs and it was nice to contribute to the win tonight. I guess I am doing it pretty consistently [on shuffling across the crease]," Smith said.

At the half-way stage of their chase, Royals were 69 for 1 and needed somebody to step on the gas. Unperturbed by the situation, Smith kept taking singles and doubles and only cut loose towards the end. His three boundaries off Lasith Malinga in the 17th over were very important in the context of the match.

"I have done it for a little while now and it's been good. It's nice to be in good form and score some runs. We were just trying to keep it around 10 an over. We have got plenty of power-hitters in the end.

"I didn't know about that [on maiden IPL fifty], it's nice. I hope it continues and Royals have won three now and hopefully, we can continue this momentum," Smith said.

While Smith was all satisfaction, Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma looked extremely disappointed after losing their third successive match. Electing to bat first, MI were reduced to 45 for 3 in the 10th over and needed Kieron Pollard (70 off 34 balls) and Corey Anderson (50 off 38 balls) to bail them out. The duo added 104 off 55 balls for the fourth wicket to give the Mumbai bowlers something to bowl at on a batting-friendly wicket.

"Talking about this game, we didn't start well with the bat. It was a poor performance with the bat. You have to bat well, if you want to win a game," Rohit said.

"Thanks to Corey [Anderson] and Pollard for getting us back into the game. We are missing a lot of things and that's why we lost today. It was a decent score, we had something to bowl at.

"Royals batted really well, but we got some work to do. We have to take responsibility with the bat and bowl better balls."

Rohit also provided an update on opener Aaron Finch's hamstring injury. The Australian hobbled off the field in the fourth over after completing a single, and with his departure began their batting troubles. "Finch doesn't look good right now, he will go for a scan tomorrow and only then we will get to know," Rohit said.
cricbuzz