Cricketers of the Week – April 2nd to April 8th

#6 Steve Smith

The juggernaut doesn’t stop!

Smith continued his Bradmanesque form in India even in the IPL as he took his team, Pune Supergiant home, against Mumbai Indians, in a stunning run chase, in their first T20 of this IPL. Batting first, MI posted an impressive 184 in Pune, thanks to Hardik Pandya’s 15-ball 35.

Extra Cover: IPL 2017, RPS vs MI: SK Player of the Day, Steven Smith for his nerveless finish

In reply, Smith, who walked in at 35 for 1, remained unbeaten on 84 off just 54 balls as Pune reached the target with one ball to spare. Smith’s 84 included seven fours and three sixes as he added 58 with Rahane. Rahane scored a 34-ball 60 full of gorgeous strokes with six fours and three sixes.

Smith also added 50 for the third wicket with Ben Stokes and made sure Pune never fell behind the required run-rate at any point of time. This was Smith’s first game as the new captain of Pune Supergiant, having replaced MS Dhoni.