Blackcaps batter Devon Conway's best performance of the Indian Premier League season to date hasn't been enough to save Chennai Super Kings from a three-run defeat against Rajasthan Royals on Thursday morning (NZ time).
After a superb all-round bowling effort led by Ravindra Jadeja (2/21) had restricted the Royals to just 175/8, Conway ensured the Super Kings' chase made an encouraging start, blasting 50 off just 38 balls.
The innings included six fours as part of a 68-run second wicket partnership with Ajinkya Rahane (31 off 19 balls).
But Conway could only watch as the wickets tumbled around him, with Ravichandran Ashwin (2/25) and Yuzvendra Chahal (2/27) making life tough for the Super Kings batters.
Conway was eventually snared by Chahal - caught trying to go over cover in an attempt to accelerate his side's fledgling run rate.
Despite a late salvo from Jadeja (25 off 15 balls) and MS Dhoni (32 off 17), the Super Kings ultimately fell three runs short of their target, making the Royals the first team to defend a total under 190 this season.
Conway's half century continues his rollercoaster campaign with the Super Kings, after scoring 1, 47, and 1 in his previous three innings.
Chennai now sit fifth on the IPL ladder.
