<p><strong>We were outplayed by Pune, admits Chennai coach Stephen Fleming – Cricket News Update</strong></p> <p>Lamenting on Chennai Super Kings’ loss against a resurgent Pune side, the CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said that the Australian duo of Aaron Finch and Steven Smith outplayed the two time champions.</p> <p>Finch, batting at No. 2, played a pugnacious knock of 67 runs, smashing as many as 10 muscular boundaries and 2 lofty sixes during his 45-ball stay at the crease. Smith, on the other hand, provided the perfect ending to Pune’s innings, scoring 39 quick runs off just 16 balls to help his side post an intimidating total of 159 runs.</p> <p>While speaking to media reporters after his side’s 24 runs defeat at Chepauk last night, the former Chennai Super Kings mentor refused to accept the suggestions that his Dhoni and men were complacent saying the Warriors just outplayed them.</p> <p>"No not at all," was the former New Zealand skipper’s reaction when asked whether the Super Kings took lowly ranked Pune lightly. </p> <p>"Trust me there was no complacency around. We are very realistic about the quality of sides we play. To me there are match winners in every team and there is no scope to be complacent. We were just poor today," Fleming said. <br> <br> Fleming singled out Aaron Finch and Steve Smith for praise saying they two set the momentum for Pune’s comprehensive win.</p> <p>"Finch was aggressive and had some good luck at the start but then the momentum was pretty important,” said the Chennai head coach.</p> <p>"Smith is an annoying player. He has hit us a number of times. We try and plan for him but he is like AB de Villiers. He is very unorthodox," he went on to add.</p> <p>Commenting on his side’s performance, Fleming said that they were 10 per cent below their opponents. He further said that 140-145 was the par score for</p> <p> “It was a 140-145 wicket, but they got 20 more and that titled the equation," Fleming said at the post-match press conference after Chennai suffered a shock 24-run loss. "The fact that we gave away 13 runs in the first over set the trend,” he added further.</p>
Tags: