09th May 2009 - De Beers Diamond Oval, Kimberley : The Chennai Super Kings came good in an interesting run-chase at the De Beers Diamond Oval at Kimberley. With almost 9 runs required per over, Badrinath upped the ante along with Hayden to comfortably see Chennai home in the end.

Badrinath and Hayden’s 89-run partnership ensured that the 141-run target set by the Rajasthan Royals was achieved in trying conditions in an interesting run-chase. Having won the toss, Warne had no hesitation to bat first. The Royals lost the in-form Ohja of the third ball and it was then left to Smith (30 off 33) and Asnodkar (26 off 25) to consolidate. They duo managed a 53-run stand but their innings was more watchful than aggressive. Sadly, they couldn’t capitalise on their starts to help in setting up a total beyond Chennai’s reach.

Jadeja walked in and hit a breezy 27 (19-balls) to give the innings much-needed momentum. However, wickets tumbled regularly as Pathan, Carseldine and Raut were out in quick succession. In the end, Warne’s (21 off 11) willow provided the big hits and helped the Royals in setting 141 to win.

Chennai lost Vijay and Raina within 6 overs and with the score on 37, the match was well poised. A fruitful over of Warne just before the strategic break meant that Chennai bought things under control, which were otherwise looking to get tougher by the minute. Badrinath and Hayden, however, kept the scoreboard ticking and Chennai were always in the run-chase. But when, Badrinath scored 20 off a Harwood over, Chennai were on course for a win; a 7-wicket one with 10-balls to spare.

Badrinath for his effort of 57 (40-balls) was awarded Man-of-the-Match. Warne did mention that 160 seemed a par score and reiterated it in the post match conference but was upbeat for their encounter against the Deccan Charges whom they face next.