The Chennai fortress reinforced its reputation as impenetrable after Chennai Super Kings defeated Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday. The home side successfully chased down the 2008 champion's 147 without too much of a problem after the visitors lost a flurry of wickets in the end.
The Royals started off really well, with an amazing partnership between openers Shane Watson and Rahul Dravid, scoring 86, their highest this season, in the first ten overs. They looked well poised for a 180+ total till spinner Shadab Jakati took a stunning return catch to dismiss the Australian for just 32. The procession had begun. Jakati later dismissed the dangerous Johan Botha, while Albie Morkel took wickets off consecutive deliveries to put the pressure on the Royals. Suraj Randiv and R. Ashwin also picked up one each. The visitors were considerably slowed down towards the end, losing six wickets for just 61 runs. The holders had restricted the opponents to a sub-150 total, which is never really too hard to chase.
Murali Vijay was dismissed early but that didn't hinder the hosts' chase too much, as southpaws Mike Hussey and Suresh Raina put on 137 runs for the second wicket. Raina was dismissed in the penultimate over, but it was too little, too late for the Royals as Mr. Cricket hit the winning runs and further strengthened Chennai's 'unbeatable at home' image.
This was a crucial game because, Mumbai and Kolkata are very likely to make the top four. I think the remaining two spots will be fought for by Rajasthan, Chennai, Bangalore and Punjab if they mage good use of the games in hand. Again, there are no clear favourites and this could be won by whoever clicks at the right time.
Who will make it?
The Royals started off really well, with an amazing partnership between openers Shane Watson and Rahul Dravid, scoring 86, their highest this season, in the first ten overs. They looked well poised for a 180+ total till spinner Shadab Jakati took a stunning return catch to dismiss the Australian for just 32. The procession had begun. Jakati later dismissed the dangerous Johan Botha, while Albie Morkel took wickets off consecutive deliveries to put the pressure on the Royals. Suraj Randiv and R. Ashwin also picked up one each. The visitors were considerably slowed down towards the end, losing six wickets for just 61 runs. The holders had restricted the opponents to a sub-150 total, which is never really too hard to chase.
Murali Vijay was dismissed early but that didn't hinder the hosts' chase too much, as southpaws Mike Hussey and Suresh Raina put on 137 runs for the second wicket. Raina was dismissed in the penultimate over, but it was too little, too late for the Royals as Mr. Cricket hit the winning runs and further strengthened Chennai's 'unbeatable at home' image.
This was a crucial game because, Mumbai and Kolkata are very likely to make the top four. I think the remaining two spots will be fought for by Rajasthan, Chennai, Bangalore and Punjab if they mage good use of the games in hand. Again, there are no clear favourites and this could be won by whoever clicks at the right time.
Who will make it?
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