Jaipur (PTI): Fine half-centuries by Graeme Smith (75 not out) and Swapnil Asnodkar (50) propelled hosts Rajasthan royals to a challenging 197 for one against Royal Challengers Bangalore in their IPL match at the Sawai Mansingh stadium here on Saturday.

Shane Watson also played a handy unbeaten knock of 46 after the opening pair of Smith and Asnodkar put on 109 for the opening wicket, after sent in to bat.

Both the opener faced some good bowling by pacers Zaheer khan and Praveen Kumar but kept the bowlers at bay as they did not lose concentration.

Rajasthan Royals reached 94 without loss at the halfway mark.

Veteran spinner Anil Kumble broke the partnership when he dismissed Asnodkar, who made 50 off 42 balls. His knock included seven boundaries and one shot over the ropes.

Smith remained unbeaten on 75 off 49 balls with eight fours and two sixes.

The South African captain shared unbeaten 88-run partnership with Australian Shane Watson, who hit a fiery 46 off just 28 balls with the help of six boundaries.