Jaipur: Albie Morkel and Anirudha Srikkanth's late charge helped Chennai clinch a crucial four-wicket win over Rajasthan on Thursday. Chennai bowlers set up the platform with Ben Hilfenhaus and Yo Mahesh restricting the hosts to 126-6 as rain delayed proceedings.
Chennai made heavy weather of the chase before Morkel and Anirudha (both 18 each off six balls ) pulled off a sensational win . The two raised 43 in just 11 balls for the seventh wicket.
Earlier, MS Dhoni picked Hilfenhaus over Doug Bollinger and his move worked like a dream . Yo Mahesh's inclusion also proved more than useful.
Having won the toss, Dhoni opted to field first on a track which turned out to be good for bowlers and on which the host batsmen looked hapless . Chennai were the firm favourites and Rajasthan needed a good start to put pressure on the opponents but with both openers -- Rahul Dravid and Ajinkya Rahane -- losing the plot , Rajasthan lost the grip .
Hilfenhaus provided the first blow by dismissing Dravid (4). After that , all hopes were pinned on Rahane and Shane but the second jolt came . Trying to lift the ball , Watson (5) was caught at third-man by R Ashwin off a Hilfenhaus delivery.
Brief scores
Rajasthan Royals 126 for 6 (Hodge 33, Binny 27, Hilfenhaus 2-8)
Chennai Super Kings 127 for 6 (Raina 23, Trivedi 2-18)
Result Chennai Super Kings won by four wickets
MOM Ben Hilfenhaus (Chennai Super Kings)
Points Chennai Super Kings 2, Rajasthan Royals 0