Smith struck three boundaries and five sixes during his innings of 57

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Virgo Super Kings skipper Graeme Smith led by example as he hammered a magnificent 57 to lead his side to a five-run win over the Libra Legends.

Smith, who used to captain South Africa, would have been content with his decision to bat first as he and Neil McKenzie gave the Super Kings a solid foundation before McKenzie was clean bowled by Brad Hogg for 26.

Despite the loss of McKenzie, Smith continued to press on and ended up making 57 off 42 balls, which included three boundaries and five sixes, before he was caught and bowled by Ryan ten Doeschate.

Thanks to Smith and some small, but vital, contributions from the middle order, the Super Kings went on to make 168/5 off their 20 overs.

Hogg was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while ten Doeschate and Ian Butler chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Chasing 169 to win, the Legends got off to a superb start as Michael Lumb and captain Jacques Kallis amassed a 102-run partnership before Kallis was dismissed by Murali Kartik for 48.

Lumb proceeded to score 54 off 48 deliveries, which included four boundaries and two sixes, before he was stumped by James Foster off the bowling of Malinga Bandara.

Lumb made a gutsy 54

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Ten Doeschate took over after Lumb’s dismissal, but his quickfire 42 not out was not enough to lead the Legends to victory as they ended up falling just short of their target.

Bandara was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while Kartik and Brett Lee claimed one wicket each.

Smith was named Man of the Match.