September 15, Centurion: On a wicket that produced over 330 runs in the earlier game of the day, Jehan Mubarak won the toss and put Chennai in to bat.
If CSK’s first match in CLT20 against Central Stags was about their bowling strength, this match gave ample proof of just how strong their batting department is. Suresh Raina’s arrival at the crease gave little respite to the team from Sri Lanka as the left-hand, right-hand batting combination only contributed to their bowlers’ wayward line and length.
Mendis was brought on in the 17th over by a seemingly clueless Mubarak to limit the damage, but Raina’s response of - 6, 2, 6, 6, 2, 6 - was at its disdainful best. The southpaw fell for 87 in the 18th over, but not before he and Vijay had amassed 137 for the second wicket, the highest partnership for any wicket in CLT20. Vijay got out for a well made 68 and Chennai’s total of 200 for 3, at the end of 20 overs, was second only to Trinidad and Tobago’s first innings score of 213 for 4 against Diamond Eagles in last year’s tournament.
Wayamba got off to the worst possible start with Albie Morkel snaring both Jeevantha Kulatunga and Mubarak in his first two overs. Jayawardene was next to go, caught by Muralitharan on the third man boundary off Doug Bollinger’s bowling and at 18 for three, Wayamba were facing the ignominy of yet another loss in CLT20. R Ashwin then accounted for Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Thisara Perera, Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis in his four overs and when Muttiah Muralitharan had Shalika Karunanayake stumped by Dhoni, Wayamba had been bowled out for 103.
The result, a mammoth 97-run defeat, continued Wayamba’s inglorious run at this tournament, while for Chennai, the IPL champions, it was just another day in the office.
Brief Scores – Chennai Super Kings 200 for 3 (Suresh Raina 87, Murali Vijay 68, Chanaka Welegedara 2-47) beat
Wayamba Elevens 103 (Shalika Karunanayake 25, R Ashwin 4-18, Albie Morkel 3-22) by 97 runs
Man-of-the-match – Suresh Raina for his blustery 44-ball 87, which included six 4s and an equal number of 6s.
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