Graeme Smith blasted 91 from just 51 deliveries to help lead the table-topping Rajasthan Royals to a ten-run victory over Chennai in the Indian Premier League.

Smith’s innings, which contained nine boundaries and four sixes, steered the Jaipur side to 211-5 from their 20 overs. Pakistani wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal was in equally aggressive mood as he cracked 53 not out in 28 balls.

South Africa captain Smith has been a consistent contributor at the top of the Rajasthan innings throughout the tournament and he now has 416 runs at an average of 52 in his ten IPL matches.

Chennai made an impressive attempt to close on the Rajasthan total through fifties from Parthiv Patel (54 from 40 balls) and Albie Morkel (71 from 40) but Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir’s 3-33 ensured Shane Warne’s Royals chalked up their tenth win in12 games as Chennai finished on 201-7.

Chennai are currently fourth and in possession of a semi-final berth. Tanvir now has 17 wickets at an average of 11, while leg-spin legend Warne has 16 victims.