Steve Smith to leave IPL 2019 after game against RCB

Kolkata, April 26 - Rajasthan Royals skipper Steve Smith will leave the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after his team's match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) sla

During the chase, the visitors were down in the dumps at 98/5 after 13 overs before 17-year old Parag -- who was dropped on a duck by Sunil Narine (2/25) off his own bowling -- came of age with a 31-ball 47 (5x4, 2x6). 

Archer also smacked a 12-ball 27 (2x4; 2x6) not out as Royals reached the target with four balls to spare.

"We made it difficult for ourselves. We lost too many wickets in the middle section after a good start. Riyan Parag is an impressive young man. He played a very composed knock like a seasoned campaigner. There were great contributions from Gopal and Archer too," Smith said. 

Earlier, it was Varun Aaron who kept a check on KKR scoring, who despite a brilliant knock of 97 not out from their skipper Dinesh Karthik, managed to post 175/6 in their stipulated quota of 20 overs. Aaron (2/20), playing only his second game this season, had a brilliant new ball spell of 3-1-10-2 in which he clean-bowled Chris Lynn (0) and Shubman Gill (14) cheaply.

"Varun Aaron was exceptional with the new ball," said Smith while praising Aaron who had a brilliant opening bust while ending with the spell of (2/20).

Royals, standing seventh in the points table, will now host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday. 

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IANS