Chennai Super Kings crushed hosts Rajasthan Royals by a huge margin of 63 runs at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium at Jaipur. It was a dominating batting performance from CSK putting up 196 for 3 after being asked to bat first by Shane Warne. The openers - Michael Hussey (46 from 30 balls with 8 fours) and Murali Vijay (53 from 40 balls with 2 fours and 3 sixes) laid the foundation in the first half taking CSK to a healthy 77 for 1 in 9.2 overs. The innings was finished by Suresh Raina (43 from 27 balls with 6 fours) and Skipper MS Dhoni (who scored a brutal unbeaten 41 from 19 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes). Despite all the carnage, off spinner Johan Botha stood up to concede only 23 runs in his 4 overs besides taking a wicket for Rajasthan Royals.
The hopes of chasing down 197 were quickly gone for the hosts when they lost Shane Watson and Ross Taylor to find themselves at 62 for 3 in 8.2 overs. One down batsman Ajinkya Rahane played his best knock so far with a lovely 52 from 36 balls with 7 fours but the CSK bowlers bounced back quickly after his dismissal to ensure that the hosts were bowled out for 133 in 19.3 overs. Doug Bollinger played a crucial role taking 3 for 22. Murali Vijay got the Man of the Match for his entertaining knock early on.
- BV Swagath
