It was a pretty gutsy performance from Sourav: Smith

Apr 22, 2012 |

New Delhi

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Pune Warriors batsman Steven Smith credited skipper Sourav Ganguly's 'gutsy' performance for the team's 20-run win over the fancied Delhi Daredevils in an IPL match here.

Ganguly led from the front, scoring 41 runs with the bat before scalping two crucial wickets in the form of dangerman Kevin Pietersen and Irfan Pathan to guide Pune to the win over a star-studded Delhi Daredevils at the Feroze Shah Kotla ground on Saturday.

Put into bat, the former India captain and Jesse Ryder (86) stitched vital 93 runs for the second wicket to set the foundation for Pune's 192 for three.

"The boys played really well. Jesse and Sourav were outstanding (with the bat) in the middle overs," Smith, who played a 13-ball unbeaten 34-run cameo, said at the post-match press conference.

Asked about Ganguly's contribution in the match, the Australian said, "He (Ganguly) played really well. He brought himself (on to bowl) at a crucial time and got those two wickets. It was pretty gutsy from him."

Smith is hoping to regain his place back in the Australian set up riding on the performance of his maiden IPL experience.

"I am really enjoying. It's the first time I am playing in IPL. We have good team, we are a good bunch. As long as we keep improving and play well we will be a force to reckon with in this IPL," he said.

"My main goal is to play for Australia again. In the last three months I have been dropped from all three formats. So, I am just working hard and trying to improve," said Smith about his national prospects.

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