In a thrilling encounter that took place on April 29, 2014, Steve Smith played a crucial role in helping the Rajasthan Royals (RR) emerge victorious in a drawn Super Over against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The match was part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2014 season, and Rajasthan Royals took on Kolkata Knight Riders in a closely contested encounter.
Rajasthan Royals, after winning the toss, posted 152/5 in 20 overs, driven by Ajinkya Rahane's 72 off 59 and Shane Watson's 33 off 24. The chase proved challenging for KKR, with James Faulkner's 3/11 stifling Gautam Gambhir's 45 off 44 and Suryakumar Yadav's 31 off 19, ultimately forcing a Super Over.
IPL 2014 RR vs KKR : The Super Over Drama
As per IPL rules, a Super Over was played to determine the winner. Kolkata Knight Riders batted first in the Super Over, with Suryakumar Yadav and Manish Pandey at the crease. KKR posted a competitive total of 11 runs.
Steve Smith and Shane Watson took to the crease for Rajasthan Royals, and with three runs required off the final delivery to secure victory, Smith cleverly tucked the ball into the cover gap, allowing him to sprint back for a crucial couple. RR also scored 11 runs in their Super Over, leaving the match in a state of deadlock. However, RR was declared the winner due to a higher boundary count throughout the match.
Steve Smith's contribution in the Super Over was instrumental in helping RR get over the line. His ability to remain calm under pressure and score crucial runs made all the difference. Smith's performance was a testament to his experience and skill in high-pressure situations.
The match between RR and KKR was an absolute thriller, with both teams giving it their all. The excitement of the Super Over added to the drama, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. In the end, Steve Smith's heroics ensured that RR emerged victorious, making it a night to remember for the team and their fans.
